The District Magistrate of Mokokchung has issued a final directive to arms license holders in the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency to deposit their firearms and ammunition, citing concerns over public safety ahead of the by-election.
In an order issued on March 31, District Magistrate Ajit Kumar Verma stated that despite earlier instructions, several license holders have failed to comply with the directive to deposit arms at their respective police stations by the March 25 deadline.
“It has been reported that in spite of repeated instructions and reminders by respective Police Stations, several Arms License Holders have not deposited their respective firearms and ammunition at the designated Police Stations,” the order stated, terming it a violation of previous directions.
The magistrate noted that non compliance poses a threat to public peace and could affect the conduct of a free and fair election. “Any act of non-deposition of arms and ammunition by any license holder… is a direct threat to maintenance of public peace and tranquility,” the order said.
A final deadline of April 4 has now been set for all license holders within the constituency to deposit their firearms and ammunition without fail.
The order warned that failure to comply will invite action under relevant provisions of the Arms Act, 1959, including suspension of licenses and seizure of weapons.
The directive has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in view of the urgency of the situation.