Carrying of arms banned in Tarn Taran

In view of the upcoming municipal council and nagar panchayat elections, Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Rahul, has issued orders prohibiting the carrying of any licensed weapons, ammunition, explosive material and other deadly weapons within the limits of the Patti and Bhikhiwind subdivisions.

Under the orders, all arms licence holders residing within the limits of Patti and Bhikhiwind sub-divisions, who receive notices issued by the office of the District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate, Tarn Taran, on the recommendations of the District Screening Committee, must deposit their arms and ammunition at the local police station or with authorised arms dealers within seven days of receiving the notice.

According to the orders, uniformed police personnel, military and paramilitary forces have been exempted from the restrictions. Government employees who are required to carry arms as part of their official duties have also been exempted.In addition, sportspersons affiliated with the National Rifle Association, who are required to participate in shooting competitions using their rifles, will also remain exempt from the orders.

Similarly, categories of licence holders exempted under the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India and the State Election Commission will not fall under the purview of these restrictions.The orders further state that the State Election Commission has announced that elections to municipal councils and nagar panchayats will be held on May 26, while the results will be declared on May 29.

The elections are scheduled to take place at the municipal council, Patti, and the nagar panchayat, Bhikhiwind, in Tarn Taran district. The prohibitory orders will remain in force till May 29, when the election process concludes.