To curb crime in Punjab, Bhagwant Mann’s government has shown strictness on gun culture. The government has ordered a complete ban on public performances of songs glorifying violence with weapons.
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Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann Not only has 813 gun licenses been canceled to rein in the gun culture in the entire state, but has also written a letter to the state DGP, all DMs, commissioners and SSPs asking them to ban the display of weapons and songs glorifying them. The government hopes that with this crime can be controlled in the state. However, there is no restriction on keeping or carrying a gun for the purpose of self-defense.
The Bhagwant Mann government has banned the carrying and display of arms in public functions, religious places, marriage ceremonies or any other event in Punjab. According to the order of the government, in the coming days, surprise inspection can be done anytime anywhere in different areas of the state.
Why was there a need to ban gun culture?
In fact, due to the increasing incidents of murder in the state during the last few months, questions had started to arise regarding law and order. Kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambien murdered in March 2022, singer Sidhu Musewala in May 2022, Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri murdered in November 2022. Due to these incidents, the Punjab government was under constant pressure from the opposition.
What was the order of 2022 in Punjab?
Before suspending 813 gun licenses, the Punjab government had on November 13, 2022 ordered a complete ban on public display of weapons and songs glorifying violence.
The order also called for review of all licenses issued within three months and a stay on the issuance of new licenses for the next three months. However, the Punjab Police had said on November 29 that there was no bar on issuing new arms licenses and carrying them for self-defense purposes.
Who can legally own a gun?
After independence, the government repealed the Arms Act of 1878 made by the British after the rebellion of 1857 and passed the new Indian Arms Act of 1959. According to which no one can acquire, keep or carry a gun without a license.
In this regard, a new amendment came in the Act 1983, according to which a person would be prohibited from carrying more than three guns. Provided that the person is not a licensed dealer, or belongs to the Armed Forces, or is a member of a rifle club or association.
What is Arms Rules 2016?
In the year 2016, the Center issued new Arms Rules, replacing the Arms Rules 1962, under which the safe operation and carrying procedures for applying for an arms license, rifle club, association or firing range are linked.
In particular, the provision of giving restricted category weapons to people living in militancy-affected areas and decision on applications for arms license by the government within two months was part of the rules.
