Section 144 CrPC invoked in Ukhrul within 1 km radius of vote counting centre

Ukhrul: An order has been issued by the District Magistrate regarding the counting of votes of 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election, 2022 which will commence on March 10 at the designated Counting Centre, Multi Purpose Hall, Mini Secretariat, Ukhrul.

As a matter of precaution and to prevent anti-social elements that may disturb the peaceful conduct of vote counting, DC Ukhrul said that to maintain law and order, necessary for the smooth and peaceful counting of votes and to tackle any anti-social elements which may lead to disturbances of public tranquility and peaceful counting of votes:

“I, Shri Krishna Kumar, IAS, District Magistrate, Ukhrul District in exercise of the powers conferred under section 144(2) of Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 do hereby prohibit the assembly of 5 or more persons carrying of swords or stick etc or other sharp edged article which may be used to harm and (c) carrying of any firearms and other lethal weapons within the area of 1 km radius of the Counting Hall/ Multi Purpose Hall, Mini Secretariat, Ukhrul,” the order read.

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Government Officials /Security Personnel/Counting Staff on duty and candidates of election are exempted.

In view of the urgent nature of the case as sufficient time was not not available to serve the notice and the order has been passed ex-parte. The order will come into force with effect from 5:00 PM of March 9 and will remain in force till counting of votes is completed, the order said.