Firearms licence holders instructed to surrender weapons by January 31
Carrying and public display of firearms prohibited until February 15 ahead of the national election and referendum
The interim government has directed all firearms licence holders to deposit their weapons at the nearest police station by January 31, tightening security measures ahead of the 13th national election and referendum.
The order was issued yesterday through a notification from the Home Ministry’s Political-4 wing. Citing the February 12 polls, the notification said the carrying and public display of firearms will be strictly prohibited until February 15.
The restriction, however, will not apply to firearms issued under existing policy to politically important persons and parliamentary candidates. In the case of candidates, the exemption applies only if their nomination papers have been lawfully submitted to and accepted by the Election Commission, or if the firearm is carried by an authorised armed retainer.
The ministry warned that any violation of the directive would invite legal action under the Arms Act, 1878. It also instructed all superintendents of police and other relevant officials to take necessary steps to ensure strict enforcement.
Law enforcement officials said the requirement to deposit weapons and the temporary ban on carrying firearms are routine but crucial measures during elections to maintain law and order and curb violence and intimidation.
Earlier, on December 14, the government issued policy guidelines on granting firearms licences and appointing retainers for politically important individuals and election candidates. Under the policy, licences or retainers are approved following scrutiny by district magistrates and intelligence agencies. Any licence issued under this framework will remain valid until 15 days after the publication of election results, after which it will be considered automatically cancelled.
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