Gun culture raising ugly head in Ferozepur

Strap: A total of 24,400 licence holders own weapons in border district alone

BQ1 : “Arms licences are made after thorough verification of the applicant and ascertaining the need for the same. I will discuss the matter with the SSP.” — Davinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur

BQ2: “The craze for guns is not good for society. I think it is the time to wake up and think what exactly we are doing. We must condemn the glorification of firearms.” —Dr Sunil Thakkar, Psychiatrist

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, December 20

The lure to own a “gun” even scores over the passion for costly SUVs and mobile phones in this part of the state. The trend is visible amid all age groups who like to flaunt their weapons.

For some its a status symbol, but numerous incidents have come to the fore where petty arguments have ended up with weapons (licensed) being used in a fit of rage.

Recently, an owner of a restaurant in Guruharsahai shot dead a customer after the latter protested over poor food quality. In another incident reported at Rukna Begu village, a man under an inebriated condition killed his own son, when he tried to stop him from consuming liquor.

Similarly, two brothers were killed at Nava Bareke village last month following a trivial argument over property. In Makhu, a person killed his wife with his licensed revolver at Mour Kassu Wala village over domestic issue. Earlier, this year, a youth was killed in Ferozepur over parking issue.

The gun menace assumes immense significance due to increase in the cases where “trigger happy” persons resort to firing over minor provocations.

An official on condition of anonymity said, “Punjabis have been known for helping people and sacrificing their lives for the sake of motherland. However, this trend is dangerous as every other household is possessing weapons.” The official added that in case they say no to issue a licence, they have to face wrath of politicians.

As per information, the border district has 24,400 firearms (licence holders) alone. Many people own multiple or atleast two firearms licences, which makes the number of small weapons quite substantial.

The state has around 4 lakh firearms licence holders. More than 100 cases have been registered this year alone under the Firearms Act. In most of the cases, accused managed to stay away from the clutches of the Punjab Police.