SHILLONG, Jan 19 - With election bribery a huge concern in the ensuing Meghalaya Assembly elections, an order has been promulgated in East Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts prohibiting �any person or group of persons� from carrying money above Rs 50,000.
The order was passed by District Magistrate and District Election Officer of the districts under Section 144 CrPC and has come into effect from today and would remain in force till the completion of poll procedure. The Meghalaya Assembly election would be held on February 27.
�This order is necessitated following information that some persons are likely to carry large amount of hard cash to bribe the voters for casting their votes in favour of a particular candidate,� the official order said.
It further stated that District Magistrates are also satisfied that such illegal acts of election bribery, if allowed, would affect the conduct of free and fair election.
Moreover an order was also promulgated in the two districts prohibiting pasting of posters, defacement of walls, erecting, displaying of cut-outs, hoarding, banners on any public property, public premises.
Political parties or candidates are also prohibited from putting up of banners on all roads, thoroughfares.
Election meeting would not be allowed without taking permission from the office of the District Magistrates and subsequently local headmen regarding the venue of the meeting. Rallies and procession will not be allowed without the permission from the concerned District Magistrates.
The districts administration has also directed all arms License Holders to deposit their arms, weapons to the nearest Police Stations with immediate effect.
No agitational programme by any individual or organisation would be allowed in the respective Districts during this period. A toll free number of Complaint Monitoring Cell for East Khasi Hills district has been established. Any person who wants to lodge a complaint can dial 1800-345-6850.
