Imphal: The Manipur government on Saturday banned the carrying of firearms, spears, swords, sticks, lathis, and other weapons by the public in Kangpokpi district for peaceful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections.
Mahesh Chaudhari, District Magistrate of Kangpokpi in an order states that all the Officers in charge of the Police Stations functioning within the revenue jurisdiction of Kangpokpi District shall make detailed and individual assessments.
The concerned officials would also review all Licence holders and all the Arms License holders shall deposit their weapons with the nearest Police Station immediately and till the process of elections is completed. In case, if the individual License holder fails to deposit his/her arms, the Officer-in-Charge concerned shall impound it.
The Officer-in-Charge shall furnish a detailed report on such deposit and seizure to the undersigned by maintaining proper record.
However, the order shall not apply to those who are entitled to display weapons by long-standing law, custom, and usage, to those Nationalised/Private Banks, where arms are necessary to safeguard cash chests, and also to those sportspersons who are registered with National Rifle Association.
The Lok Sabha elections for the assembly constituencies in Kangpokpi district will be held on April 19, the first phase of elections in the state.