Arms license applicants fail to turn up for weapon proficiency test

BAREILLY: Only 96 out of the 177 applicants seeking arms licenses turned up for the weapon proficiency test conducted at the Bhartaul firing range of the Indian Army.
Applicants, even if they were applying for renewal of licenses, were required to take aim at targets fixed by experts. It was compulsory to hit the target in 3 out of the 5 shots fired by them.Applicants were asked to shoot at targets placed by the shooting instructors of the reserve police lines, said SP city, Rajeev Malhotra. As many as 84 applicants cleared the test.
According to the new guidelines issued by the high court, it is mandatory for the applicant to provide proof of being able to operate the weapon in a safe and prescribed manner. In this connection, weapon proficiency tests are conducted by concerned authorities, including the local police at designated spots, said SP city Rajeev Malhotra.
Any person who seeks an arms license should be able to load, unload and operate the gun in a smooth and effective manner under the supervision of police officials designated by the district administration. Arms and ammunition are provided by the police and the local Rifle club and the expense is included in the application fee.
The eligibility test for owning a firearms license was conducted on directions of the Allahabad high court in presence of the district police chief.
Officials say that once the applicants clear the shooting eligibility test, their application is forwarded to the district magistrate by the SSP and based on this report they are issued an arms license after completion of other formalities. However the application of those who failed to clear the test will not be considered further.