According to an official order, political gatherings, dharnas, and demonstrations are prohibited in poll-bound Uttarakhand till January 16 due to an increase in coronavirus cases.
Chief Secretary SS Sandhu issued new guidelines late Friday night that take effect on Sunday, saying that all political rallies, dharnas, demonstrations, and public events such as cultural gatherings will be suspended in the state until January 16.
Read also- Cases multiplying fast, curbs needed on large political gatherings: Kamat
The Election Commission was recently instructed by the Uttarakhand High Court to investigate if poll rallies could be organised virtually and whether online voting was possible. The state’s assembly elections are coming up in a few weeks, and the Election Commission may release the dates this month.
Covid instances have been steadily increasing in Uttarakhand, with single-day cases surpassing 800 for the first time in recent months on Friday.
Read also- Uttarakhand-based FPO to increase membership in 2 years
According to the directive, the night curfew will continue from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., during which essential and emergency services can function under strict respect to Covid protocol.
It will be required to carry a negative RT-PCR test record not older than 72 hours for persons travelling to Uttarakhand from outside who have not been vaccinated with two doses.
