Punjab government bans songs glorifying weapons; no public display of firearms, including on social media

Chandigarh, November 13

Punjab government on Sunday banned songs promoting gun culture; public display of firearms, including on social media; and ordered a review of arms licences issued in the state.

The government has also asked the police to conduct surprise checks at different locations in the state, and asked them to promptly book any person delivering a hate speech against any community.

The decision, conveyed to the state police chief, all Commissioners of police; all district magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police, has been taken by the state Home department. These steps are being taken to maintain law and order in the state. It may be mentioned that the Home department portfolio is with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The orders issued by the government today come in wake of the rising incidents of shootouts in the state, that have given fodder to the Opposition parties to hit out at the Bhagwant Mann government.

Two recent killings — of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri on November 4 and of a Dera Sacha Sauda follower on November 10 — has had the Opposition gunning for the AAP government on the deteriorating law and order situation.

Under fire from Opposition parties over the law and order issue, the Punjab government on Sunday took various measures, including imposing a ban on songs promoting gun culture and violence and public display of firearms. The state government also ordered a review of arm licences within the next three months, according to an official order.

The orders also say that songs that glorify violence are henceforth banned and firearms cannot be displayed at public gatherings including weddings and religious events. Showing off these firearms on the social media too is now banned.

The government intends reviewing ofarm licences within three months. The orders say that if any arm licence is found to have been issued to any wrong person, it should be cancelled immediately.