MIRPUR (Azad Kashmir), Aug 30: The process of submission of nomination papers for by-election to the Muzaffarabad-III seat of the AJK Legislative Assembly started here on Monday.

The seat fell vacant after the death of the senior minister Sayed Mumtaz Ali Gillani.

The papers could be filed till Sept 1, the AJK Election Commission sources said.

In order to ensure maintenance of peace and order during the course of filing papers and during the polls, the AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice Riaz Akhter Chaudhry has issued necessary directives to the district administration of Muzaffarabad.

In the light of these directives the administration at the state’s capital has, under section 144, imposed ban on taking out processions and displaying or using arms before and during the polls.

He told APP that no candidate will be allowed to file the nomination papers by coming in a procession to the office of the Returning Officer. “Besides, no candidate or his supporter will be allowed to display, use or keep in their possession of arms during the polls,” he added. In case of the violation of this instruction

The CEC categorically declared that if any candidate came in the such candidate shall be declared disqualified.

Justice Riaz said that DIG Police, SSP and District Magistrate Muzaffarabad have been ordered to ensure strict implementation of these orders to maintain law and order.—APP