IMPHAL 17 Mar: With the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections, district magistrates in Manipur have issued orders directing licenced holders of arms to deposit their guns at the nearest police stations to “ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the conduct of elections.”
The ECI on Saturday announced that the elections to the two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur will be held on 19 and 26 April.
Orders issued by the Thoubal district magistrate said, “All licensees of Thoubal district shall deposit their licenced arms and ammunition to the concerned nearest police stations before 23 March, failing which their licenced arms will be confiscated by district police administration… with a view to maintain law and order and to ensure peaceful conduct of the 18th general election to the Lok Sabha.”
A separate order issued by Kangpokpi District Magistrate Mahesh Chaudhari said that prohibition on “possession and carrying of firearms of any kind by arms by license holders… with immediate effect till the process of elections is completed.”
It also asked for “arrangements for safe and secure deposit of licenced arms and ammunition.” (PTI)
The orders, however, shall not apply to those “entitled to display weapons by longstanding laws, custom and usage, to those nationalised/private banks,” among others. (PTI)