Arms deposit less than 50% yet

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 18

As many as 2,21,480 licensed weapons have been deposited since the model code of conduct came into force. The number is not even half of nearly 4.5 lakh registered weapons in the state.

Punjab has the highest number of 3.55 lakh arms licence holders. The number of arms deposited so far is only a little higher than 2.04 lakh recorded during the recent panchayat elections.

An officer said, “We keep giving regular warnings to people that if they fail to deposit their weapons, their licences will be cancelled. It is difficult to convince people, mainly in rural areas, to deposit their arms as they apprehend law and order problems during the election time. More than 70 per cent of the total weapons are in possession of people in the rural areas.”

The choice of weapons in the state largely includes .32 bore revolver, .315 rifle, .22 pistol and .12 bore double barrel gun.

A sarpanch in Jalandhar district said “We appreciate the concern of the police in maintaining law and order, but the government must admit that the situation on ground is not very peaceful, mainly during the elections. People feel confident holding on to their arms, but most won’t not use them, except in case of emergency.”

3.55 lakh licences 

• Punjab has the highest number of 3.55 lakh arms licence holders.
• 2,21,480 licensed weapons have been deposited since the model code of conduct came into force.
• The number is not even half of nearly 4.5 lakh registered weapons.