Sivasagar DM orders surrender of licensed arms ahead of assembly polls

Dibrugarh: Sivasagar district magistrate has issued a stringent order, requiring all licensed arms holders to immediately deposit their weapons and ammunition at the nearest police station ahead of the upcoming Assam assembly elections.DM Mridul Yadav invoked Section 4 of the Arms Act 1959 and Section 48(1) of the Arms Rules 2016 to issue the directive on Tuesday, citing the need to maintain public peace and ensure free and fair elections in the district.“In view of the upcoming Assam assembly elections and in the interest of maintaining public peace and ensuring free and fair election, all arms licensees of Sivasagar district are directed to deposit their arms and ammunition in the nearest police station with immediate effect,” the order read.The directive warns that failure to comply will result in action under the provisions of the Arms Act 1959, as amended. However, personnel from the Armed Forces, police, and those on emergency services have been exempted from the order.The measure is part of the Election Commission’s standard protocol to prevent any potential misuse of weapons during the election period, which has historically been a sensitive time requiring enhanced security measures. Similar restrictions are typically imposed across various states during elections to minimise the risk of violence and intimidation.According to the order, deposited weapons and ammunition will be returned to their owners “as soon as the notified period of election is over.” The district administration has assured licence holders that their firearms will be safely stored during the period.Sivasagar SSP has been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order. “He is requested to direct all OC’s (officers-in-charge) of police stations of Sivasagar district to ensure deposit of licensed arms and ammunitions in their respective police stations and to ensure submission of daily reports,” the order said.Police stations across Sivasagar district have been instructed to maintain daily reports on the deposit of licensed weapons, ensuring comprehensive monitoring throughout the election period.