Rural elections: Carrying of weapons banned in Amritsar

The District Magistrate of Amritsar, Dalvinderjit Singh, has imposed a strict ban on carrying firearms and deadly weapons across the district to ensure peaceful conduct of the upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023.

According to the directive, no individual will be allowed to carry firearms or sharp-edged weapons such as sickles, axes, gandasi or other agricultural tools that can be used as lethal weapons within the revenue boundaries of the district until the completion of the election process. The restrictions come into force as part of the Model Code of Conduct for the local body elections.

As per the Election Commission’s schedule announced, polling for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections across Punjab will be held on December 14.

The Election Commission directed all districts to enforce a weapon ban to maintain law and order, protect public safety and ensure smooth, fair and peaceful elections. Exceptions will apply only to individuals granted special permission under specific circumstances.

The order will not apply to on-duty Army personnel, paramilitary forces or uniformed police officers. However, security personnel assigned to election candidates will not be permitted to carry weapons inside polling stations.

The ban will remain effective until the completion of the Model Code of Conduct.