Kohima 17 Aug : The Nagaland government has announced it will take actions against those and organizations who call for strikes, shutdowns or agitations which result in the blockage of National Highways and other important roads in the state, officials said on Wednesday. In announcing the penalties, which include fines and jail time, Nagaland Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha stated in an announcement that blocking National Highways and public roads is a crime punishable according to the relevant provisions of the National Highway Act 1956, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 and the Indian Penal Code.
In various rulings by the Supreme Court and high courts in various judgments, it has been determined that bandshs (shutdowns) or roadblockades are unlawful and unconstitutional , and the people who arrange them should be prosecuted, a government announcement said.
The notice also stated that in certain instances, in order to press for specific local demands, requests are made to disrupt national celebrations or prohibiting law-abiding citizens from taking part in these celebrations.
“It can be said that any threatening act with the intention of disrupting celebrations of the nation is unlawful and a serious crime and those who commit the act are liable to be punished in accordance with the applicable section of the law,” it said.
Sinha in the announcement stated district authorities are authorized to take firm action with people who engage in actions that violate the law, or cause problems with law and order or disturb the current atmosphere of peace and peace in the public or cause disturbance and intrusion into the lives of the people.
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