Prohibitory orders under Section 144 in four districts of Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The district magistrates of four districts in Nagaland have issued orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973, prohibiting the carrying of arms or any sort of weapon.

According to updates received here on Monday, the prohibitory orders were passed ex parte in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Mokokchung districts, in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

Promulgating the order in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland, commissioner of police and district magistrate, Kevithuto Sophie, stated that carrying of arms, including firearms, machetes, daos, clubs, spears, explosives, catapults, or any other articles designed or adopted as weapons for offence or defence, is prohibited till further notice to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair poll during the election.

Similarly, Mokokchung district magistrate Thsuvisie Phoji passed the order banning the carrying of licenced arms until the declaration of poll results, while directing all arms licence holders in the district to deposit their arms licence and weapon at the nearest police station as per their registered addresses on or before March 30.

The respective officer-in-charge of the police stations shall furnish a detailed report on such deposit and seizure, the order stated, adding that penal action would be taken against those who fail to submit their licence and weapon on time.

Stating that the model code of conduct has been enforced, the magistrate reminded citizens, especially those residing in the areas bordering Assam, that carrying any firearms, including air guns, shall remain restricted in the district till the election results are declared.