Government bars all forms of assemblies in Secretariat to maintain order

Home ministry cites the Secretariat’s role as the administrative hub in announcing sweeping restrictions

The government has prohibited all rallies, demonstrations and public gatherings inside the Secretariat, citing the need to safeguard the nation’s administrative hub.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs stressed the importance of ensuring constant order and security for all buildings and premises within the Secretariat.

It outlined seven measures, requesting strict compliance.

These include ban on any type of rally or assembly; prohibiting unauthorised meetings in ministry or departmental conference rooms; and requiring prior home ministry approval to remain inside after 6pm or on holidays for official purposes.

The instructions include: officials and staff must display entry passes, and distributing leaflets or hanging banners and festoons within the premises is forbidden.

Security forces must also be allowed to conduct checks on vehicles and individuals entering the compound.