1. The District Magistrate imposes Section 144 around the Jowai DC office for security.
2. Order enhances security for Election Strong Room and Counting Centre.
3. Aim is to safeguard stored EVMs and VVPATs from recent elections.
Shillong, May 31: The District Magistrate of West Jaintia Hills District has issued an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), imposing immediate restrictions around the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office in Jowai.
This action aims to enhance security for the Election Strong Room and Counting Centre, where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) from the recent elections are stored.
The order prohibits gatherings of more than five individuals within a 100-meter radius of the DC Office in Jowai.
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However, exemptions are granted to specific groups, including the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state and district forces stationed at the DC’s Office, candidates, election agents, counting agents, DC’s Office staff, officers and staff on election duty, and authorized media personnel.
Any violation of these directives will result in penalties under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
