Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which came under attack from the opposition after the murder of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri and Dera follower Pradeep amid police protection, has decided to crack down on gun culture to maintain law and order.
Under this, new arms licenses will not be made for the next 3 months and all licenses issued earlier will be reviewed. Arms licenses will be cancelled without any cogent reason.
Under a particular circumstances, a new license will be issued after a thorough review.
Strictness will also increase on those displaying weapons at weddings, social media and public places. According to the orders issued by the Home Department to the police, FIRs will be registered against those who do so.
More than 2 lakh illegal weapons
Earlier, three weapons were allowed on an arms licence in Punjab. In December 2020, the rule of having 2 weapons on 1 license was fixed. Due to illegal weapons, the number of small and big weapons in Punjab is expected to cross one million. More than 2 lakh weapons are illegal in Punjab. This is the biggest concern for the police.
Action on promoting gun culture in songs
It has also directed the Principal Secretary of the Home Department and the DGP to cancel the license immediately if any anti-social element was issued a license during the past time. The songs will have strictness on singers promoting gun culture. Punjab currently has more than 4 lakh active arms licences.
Police will also take strict action against those who make inflammatory speeches spreading hatred against any community on social media and public places. Promotion of gun culture through songs will also be banned. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had announced on May 12 this year that action would be taken against those promoting gun culture through songs.