Nagaland warns action against shutdowns, strikes, road blockades
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Representational.
Kohima: Officials from Nagaland informed on Wednesday that the state administration has decided to take action against individuals or organisations who call for shutdowns and organise strikes or agitations, blocking National Highways and other important roads, IANS reports.
The state government announced the same and added the punishment for such acts, which includes imprisonment and a fine.
It was through a notification that Nagaland Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha announced the same adding that blocking National Highways and public roads is a punishable offence under the relevant sections of the National Highway Act 1956, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 and the Indian Penal Code.
According to the notification, there were various judgements by the Supreme Court and high courts which mandate that bandhs (shutdowns) and road blockades are illegal and unconstitutional, adding that penal action should be initiated against those involved in such acts.
The notification stated that it noticed that in some instances, calls are given for disturbing national celebrations or forcefully preventing law-abiding citizens from participating in such celebrations to press for certain local demands.
The notification said, "It may be stated here that any forceful act with the intent to disturb national celebrations is illegal and a serious offence and the culprits are liable to be prosecuted under the relevant sections of the law."
The district authorities are empowered to take firm actions against those who indulge in the mentioned actions, violating the law, creating law and order problems, disturbing the peace and public tranquillity, and obstructing the general public.