Ladakh bans protest ahead of polls

Leh: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Ladakh on Wednesday prohibited political dharnas, protests, rallies and similar collective activities that are likely "to impact the peaceful conduct of elections" within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the upcoming local polls, according to an official order.

Panchayat and municipal elections in Ladakh are scheduled for November 11, while elections to the eight Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) are scheduled for December 4.

In the order issued here, Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Sharma said the MCC, which came into force on October 23, will remain in force till the completion of the election process.

The order, issued in exercise of powers under Section 282 of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, read with the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Committee (Election) Rules, 2003, bars activities that have the potential to intimidate voters, disturb public order and vitiate the atmosphere necessary for free and fair elections.

"No political party, candidate, worker, supporter or any other person shall organise, hold, or participate in any dharna, protest, demonstration, sit-in, hunger strike, rally or any similar form of collective political activity within the municipal limits of the Municipal Committee, Leh and the Municipal Committee, Kargil, which is likely to impact the peaceful conduct of elections during the entire period the Model Code of Conduct remains in force," the order said.

It further added that all political parties, candidates and their agents are directed to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and to ensure that no activity is undertaken by any "political party, candidates, agents or any other individual, organisation which may intimidate, coerce or unduly influence the electors in any manner".

The District Election Officers (Deputy Commissioners) of Leh and Kargil, along with the police authorities, have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the order. Any violation will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the relevant laws and provisions of the MCC, it said.

The order directed the District Election Officers to give wide publicity to the restrictions through print and electronic media and display copies at prominent public places, including municipal committee offices and notice boards of the Deputy Commissioners.

The CEO said the directions have been issued to maintain the purity of the electoral process and ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of the municipal elections.