West Tripura administration has imposed restrictions from September 26 to 29 ahead of TTAADC Village Committee elections, banning large gatherings, rallies, loudspeakers, cash distribution and vehicle convoys to ensure peaceful, free and fair polling on September 28.
The West Tripura district administration has imposed a series of restrictions across the district ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections scheduled to be held on September 28. The prohibitory orders have been issued by West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The restrictions will come into effect from 4:00 PM on September 26 and remain in force until 6:00 AM on September 29. According to the administration, the measures have been introduced to maintain peace and public order and to prevent activities that could affect the smooth conduct of the election.
Polling for the Village Committee elections in West Tripura will be held on September 28 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The administration has specifically prohibited gatherings of five or more persons during the restriction period, irrespective of whether those participating are carrying weapons.
The order also prohibits possession or carrying of articles such as sticks, rods, bamboo pieces, stones and other objects that could potentially be used as weapons. Public meetings, rallies, processions and speeches have also been prohibited during the period covered by the order.
The use of loudspeakers for campaigning or public gatherings will not be permitted under the restrictions. The administration has also placed special restrictions within a 200-metre radius of polling stations to prevent overcrowding and unlawful activities around voting centres.
Another key measure concerns the movement of vehicles. Motorcycle or vehicle convoys involving two or more vehicles travelling together in a manner resembling an unlawful assembly have been prohibited. The administration has also warned against activities involving the distribution of cash, liquor, gifts or other inducements that could disturb the electoral process.
However, officials clarified that the restrictions are not intended to disrupt normal public life. Voters possessing valid identity cards will be allowed to travel to polling stations. Election officials, personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and police deployed on election duty, government employees engaged in official work, accredited media representatives and authorised election vehicles have also been exempted from the restrictions.
Voters will be permitted to use their personal vehicles to reach polling stations, but they may travel only with members of their own families. The administration has stated that voters should not use personal vehicles to transport other voters.
Government and private offices, schools, markets, religious programmes, weddings and other social events will continue as normal, subject to compliance with the conditions laid down in the order. Approved motorcades of candidates and authorised election vehicles will also be permitted.
The administration has further stated that essential facilities at polling stations will remain available. These include drinking water arrangements and wheelchairs for specially abled voters to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
The West Tripura administration has warned that anyone violating the prohibitory order may face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
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Officials said the restrictions have been imposed solely with the objective of ensuring a free, fair and peaceful TTAADC Village Committee election. The administration has urged residents, candidates, political workers and voters to follow the prescribed guidelines during the election period and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace and order across West Tripura.
