Govt Orders Deposition of Licensed Firearms by Jan 31 Ahead of Election
The Chronify
The government has directed all licensed firearm holders to deposit their weapons at police stations by January 31, imposing a nationwide ban on carrying or displaying firearms until the end of the election and referendum.
The government has ordered the deposition of all licensed firearms at the nearest police stations by January 31, ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12.
The directive was issued on Sunday through a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which also imposed a ban on the carrying or public display of firearms until the completion of both the national election and the referendum.
However, the restriction will not apply to candidates whose nomination papers have been validly submitted and accepted by the Election Commission, or to armed “retainers” who are duly authorised for such candidates.
The notification warned that any violation of the order would be dealt with in accordance with existing laws. All superintendents of police and other relevant authorities have been instructed to take necessary steps to ensure strict implementation of the directive.
Earlier, on December 15, the government formulated a specific policy governing firearm licences and the appointment of armed retainers for politically important individuals and candidates ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The policy, titled “Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy–2025 for Politically Important Persons and Candidates for the Post of Member of Parliament,” was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance public security, maintain law and order, and prevent election-related violence.
Under the policy, a retainer is defined as an armed individual officially appointed and authorised to provide protection to a politically important person or an election candidate. A politically important person refers to a current or former high-ranking political figure recognised by the government.
To qualify for a firearm licence under this framework, an applicant must either be a recognised politically important person or a candidate who has submitted nomination papers for the upcoming election, and must face a verified security threat as assessed by relevant authorities, including intelligence agencies.
The directive was issued on Sunday through a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which also imposed a ban on the carrying or public display of firearms until the completion of both the national election and the referendum.
However, the restriction will not apply to candidates whose nomination papers have been validly submitted and accepted by the Election Commission, or to armed “retainers” who are duly authorised for such candidates.
The notification warned that any violation of the order would be dealt with in accordance with existing laws. All superintendents of police and other relevant authorities have been instructed to take necessary steps to ensure strict implementation of the directive.
Earlier, on December 15, the government formulated a specific policy governing firearm licences and the appointment of armed retainers for politically important individuals and candidates ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The policy, titled “Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy–2025 for Politically Important Persons and Candidates for the Post of Member of Parliament,” was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance public security, maintain law and order, and prevent election-related violence.
Under the policy, a retainer is defined as an armed individual officially appointed and authorised to provide protection to a politically important person or an election candidate. A politically important person refers to a current or former high-ranking political figure recognised by the government.
To qualify for a firearm licence under this framework, an applicant must either be a recognised politically important person or a candidate who has submitted nomination papers for the upcoming election, and must face a verified security threat as assessed by relevant authorities, including intelligence agencies.
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