Silchar: Cachar district magistrate Rahul Kumar Gupta has imposed restrictions around an election office ahead of the Sept 11 nomination deadline.The order covers a 100-metre radius of the assistant returning officer’s (ARO) office at Govt Boys’ Higher Secondary School on Sadarghat Road.Issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, it prohibits gatherings of five or more people without prior permission from 10 am to 5 pm on Sept 10 and 11. Street vendors will also be barred during these hours.Officials said the restrictions were imposed to maintain public order amid an expected rush of candidates and supporters on the final day of filing nominations for the Silchar Municipal Corporation election.Police and Army personnel, magistrates and judicial officers on duty, and those engaged in govt or election work are exempt. The ex parte order has taken immediate effect, and violations may invite action under Section 223 of the BNS.In a separate directive, Gupta, who is also the district election officer, asked all govt offices in Cachar to remain open with skeleton staff on holidays throughout the election process.The measure is intended to ensure the uninterrupted receipt and dispatch of urgent election-related correspondence. Department heads have been directed to submit staffing details and the contact numbers of assigned officials to the district election officer’s office.The administration said the measures would prevent communication delays and ensure coordination among departments during the election.
