Shillong, Oct 31: East Khasi Hills district administration on Monday promulgated Section 144 CrPC prohibiting taking out rallies and processions in the state capital.

An order issued by the district magistrate said the assembly and movement of 5 or more people for the purpose of any rally or procession within the whole Shillong City limits, including the Shillong Urban Agglomeration area, is prohibited.

The order aims to prevent any NGO/group or untoward elements from blatantly misusing such rallies/processions to indulge in criminal acts thereby disrupting public order, and any other such acts which cause severe inconvenience to the public at large.

“Any violation of the said order will attract penal provisions under Section 188 of the IPC, and any other as deemed fit and appropriate,” it warned.

This came after several people were attacked and vehicles vandalized during the Friday’s rally over unemployment called by FKJGP.

The order was issued after it was learnt that other NGOs and groups are also planning similar events such as ‘surprise rallies’ within the limits of Shillong City.

The order said it has been seen that the organisers do not comply with either one or many of the conditions imposed by the district administration and that such processions also cause severe inconvenience and disturbance to commuters, pedestrians, school-children, parents and the public at large.

It also said that in one such rally held in Shillong on October 28, several incidents of assault of commuters and vandalism of vehicles took place, which have caused a fear psychosis amongst the public at large.

Meanwhile, the district administration said the order does not apply to religious processions which have obtained due permission from this authority and undertake to strictly adhere to conditions given.