Tura, March 5 : The District Magistrate of West Garo Hills, Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 across the district in view of the 24-hour Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) called by the Garo Students’ Union (GSU).
According to the order issued on March 5, the agitation called by GSU President Tengsak G. Momin is scheduled to be observed from 5:00 AM on March 6 to 5:00 AM on March 7, 2026 within West Garo Hills district.
The district administration stated that there is a possibility of obstruction or intimidation affecting the movement of vehicles and disruption of normal public life, which could cause inconvenience to the general public and potentially lead to breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility, injury, or loss of property.
The order also cited the Meghalaya High Court judgment in Case No. WP(C)/SH/127 of 2015, which held that bandhs violate the fundamental rights of citizens under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India. The court had also directed both print and electronic media to refrain from publicizing calls for bandhs, hartals, road blockades, or rallies with unlawful intent.
In view of the emergent situation, the District Magistrate has prohibited several activities during the period of the Non-Cooperation Movement, including:
- Obstructing the movement of vehicles
- Carrying or concealing weapons such as lathis, sticks, stones, firearms or other lethal weapons
- Obstructing the legal functioning of shops, establishments, and offices
- Unlawful assembly of five or more persons aimed at causing such obstruction
The order, however, clarified that it will not apply to armed forces, paramilitary personnel, or law-enforcement agencies performing lawful duties.
The prohibitory order has been issued with immediate effect and will extend to the entire West Garo Hills district to prevent any breach of peace, disturbance to public order, or threat to life and property.
The district administration has urged the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure the maintenance of law and order during the agitation period.
