Meghalaya: Election Commission Orders Closure of Borders

SHILLONG: In view of the upcoming elections for the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the Election Commission of India has ordered the closing of the India-Bangladesh border in the state of Meghalaya. The order came into effect on February 24 and will remain to be so till March 2. The election commission had passed a similar order for the state of Tripura ahead of the Assembly polls in that state.

It is important to note that the state of Meghalaya shares an international boundary with the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. This international border spans a total of 443 km with the neighbouring country. It also shares an 885 km long boundary with the state of Assam which has also been sealed ahead of the elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya mentioned that this step has been taken to prevent any untoward incident and ensure a free and fair election process in the state. He also mentioned that as a preventive measure, Section 144 of the CrPC has been enforced along the international border in the state.

The Election Commission of India has ordered the sealing of Meghalaya's International border with Bangladesh till March 2. The District Magistrate of the East Khasi Hills district also issued an order strictly prohibiting the movement of individuals within a one-kilometre radius of the India-Bangladesh border of East Khasi Hills district between February 24 and March 2.

"It is necessary that the International border with Bangladesh must be sealed and movement to and from the international border should be restricted. If such unregulated movement of individuals between the two countries is allowed, then there is a likelihood of law and order problems leading to danger to human life, safety and disturbance to public tranquillity," mentioned the order.

Voting for 59 seats of the 60 members Meghalaya legislative assembly will take place on February 27 and counting will be conducted on March 2.

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