Meghalaya clamps Section 144 CrPC in East Khasi Hills

Shillong, Jan 25 (UNI) The Meghalaya government has clamped Section 144 CrPC in East Khasi Hills district in view of the 24-hour bandh sponsored by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council against the Republic Day celebration in the state.

According to an official communique here, the District Magistrate had prohibited any person or group from causing obstruction to movement of people and vehicular traffic, assembly of five or more persons and also carrying of arms and other lethal weapons.

The proscribed HNLC, which is fighting for a 'sovereign Hynniewtrep homeland', had called for a 24-hour bandh from 1800 hours today protesting the Republic Day celebrations within the entire Khasi-Jaintia Hills region of the state.

State Home Minister Robert Garnet Lyngdoh told reporters here steps have been taken by police and district authorities to ensure smooth and peaceful celebration of the Republic Day.

''The people should come out and celebrate in full spirit the day when we made our tryst with democracy,'' he said.

Security had also been tightened across the state in view of the the ongoing ULFA activities in neighbouring Asom.

Police officials said anti-insurgency operations have been launched in remote areas to flush out militants sheltering in the state and have arrested at least ten militants, including four ULFA cadres from different parts of the state.

The police, with the help of state's Special Operation Team (SOT) have also conducted raids in this regard.

Police personnel were seen checking movement of vehicles in and out of the city.

The government had chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the the main function at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, where Governor M M Jacob would unfurl the tricolour.

UNI