SHILLONG: The international border between Bangladesh and Meghalaya to be sealed until March 2,in view of Assembly polls the Election Commission of India has ordered.

59 of the 60 constituencies for the Meghalaya Assembly will hold elections on February 27, and the results will be tallied on March 2.

Significantly, voting in the Sohiong assembly constituency has been delayed since HDR Lyngdoh, a candidate for the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the former home minister of the State, passed away.

Meghalaya and Bangladesh share a 443 km border and an 885 km border, respectively.

The state border with Assam and the international border between Meghalaya and Meghalaya have both been sealed, according to FR Kharkongor, chief electoral officer for Meghalaya.

"To guarantee a free and fair election in the State, we have taken preventative steps. Along the state's foreign bordering zones, Section 144 of the CrPC is in effect "said Kharkongor. Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills district on Friday issued an order that movement of individuals shall remain absolutely barred within a one mile radius of the India-Bangladesh border in East Khasi Hills area from January 24-March 2.

"It is essential to shut the international border with Bangladesh and impose restrictions on travel to and from the border. If such unchecked migration of people between the two nations is permitted, there is a risk that there will be law and order issues that endanger human life, compromise public safety, and disturb the peace "the order copy stated.

Along the bordering areas, Section 144 of the CrPC has also been enforced by the district administration of the East Khasi Hills district.

On February 27, a single phase of voting for the 60 seats in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will take place. On March 2, the votes will be tallied.

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