Newmai News Network
Imphal | October 28
Licensed arms holders in Manipur have been asked to deposit their weapons to the concerned police stations.
On October 25, the Home department issued instructions to the deputy commissioners of all districts of the state to collect the licensed arms. The order asking to deposit the licensed arms were related with maintenance of law and order situation in view of the ensuing elections to the Manipur Legislative Assembly 2022.
An order of the deputy commissioner of Bishnupur district passed today asked all licensees of the district to deposit their arms to the concerned police station on or before November 11.
The step was taken up for maintaining law and order and also to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.
Earlier, Imphal West district deputy commissioner had also passed a similar order on October 26 to ensure deposition of the licensed arms to the concerned police station.
The order did not mention the last date for depositing the licensed arms but warned that failing to abide by the order is liable to be punished for violation of state government instruction under the relevant provisions of Arms Act, 1959 read with Arms Rules, 2016.
The instruction of the Home department to collect the licensed arms was in the backdrop of recent election-related violent incidents including firing of guns reported from various parts of the state.
With the approaching of the elections, clashes among workers of aspirant candidates are increasing in the state.
The elections to the 60-seat Manipur Legislative Assembly are likely to hold by the early part of next year, 2022, most probably in February and March.
Expressing strong concern over the increasing violent incidents, state chief minister N Biren Singh who is also holding the Home portfolio had also appealed to all licensees to deposit their licensed arms voluntarily to their respective police stations.
