Guwahati, 10 November (H.S.): The Assam government has declared dry days in 11 districts of the state in view of the 2026 general elections to the Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council.

According to an order issued by the Excise Department, the sale, distribution and consumption of liquor and other intoxicating substances will remain strictly prohibited under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Rule 326(A) of the Assam Excise Rules, 2016.

The restrictions will come into effect from November 28, 2026, 48 hours before polling, and continue until the completion of the polling process on November 30. November 30, the polling day, December 1, in case of re-polling, and December 3, the counting day, will also be observed as dry days. The restrictions will remain in force until the completion of the counting process.

The order will be applicable in Biswanath, Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Sivasagar, Sonitpur and Tinsukia districts.

During this period, all wholesale liquor warehouses, retail 'OFF' and 'ON' shops dealing in Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), liquor outlets attached to clubs and hotels, and country liquor shops will remain closed.

The prohibition will extend to hotels, restaurants and all public and private places. No individual or group will be permitted to possess, sell, distribute or supply any intoxicating substance during the stipulated period.

The order also imposes strict restrictions on private possession and storage of liquor. Storing liquor at unauthorised premises will invite action under the relevant provisions of the Excise Act and Rules.

Any violation of the order will attract legal action under the Assam Excise Act and Rules, as well as Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash