J&K: Inquiry ordered into large-scale issuance of individual arms licences
The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has ordered an inquiry by the State Vigilance Organization into the large-scale issuance of individual arms licenses in alleged contravention of rules, after receiving reports of a fake gun license racket. Divisional commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir regions were directed to verify all cases of individual new arms licenses issued between 1 Jan'17-23 Feb'18, in eight districts.
Divisional commissioners asked to furnish detailed report in a month
"Pending verification by the divisional commissioner concerned, the district magistrates of Kishtwar, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Leh, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampur will not issue any new individual arms license till further orders," J&K Home Department said. Remaining district magistrates were directed to exercise due diligence and care while granting new individual-arms-license and furnish regular monthly statements by the fifth-day of the succeeding month without fail.
DMs to ensure strict compliance with Arms Rules, 2016
"It was deemed appropriate to have a whole gamut of facts/issues investigated through an impartial investigation agency in addition to the inquiries, which are already underway," the Home Department's order said. The department has also ordered that all district magistrates will ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Arms Rules, 2016, at the stage of renewal of an arms license.
People whose licenses are revoked should deport arms in police-station
"District Magistrates will direct all such persons, whose licenses are revoked, to deposit their arms and ammunition with the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station, failing which action, as warranted under law, will be initiated," the order said. The government observed that issues related to the grant of individual arms licenses in J&K have an implication on the security of the public peace and safety.
