Arms licenses in the Punjab

IN reply to several questions asked at the last meeting of the Punjab Legislative Council, the Hon’ble Mr. Thomson replied that over 300 arms licenses had been given in the areas affected by dacoities. Since the commencement of the outbreak, 176 gun licenses were granted in Muzaffergarh, 71 in Jhang and 63 in Multan. He also said that the total number for the Province was 14,000. What the people want to know is whether the particular classes of Hindus, as traders and money-lenders, who are exposed to dacoity, have been given arms licenses and if so to what extent. Information on this point was not supplied, but we are sure that the plea made will be appreciated.