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Punjab govt bans carrying of firearms in weddings

Last Updated 26 October 2018, 12:48 IST

With a move aimed at ebbing celebratory firing in Punjab, the state government has prohibited carrying of firearms in the wedding events or any public places.

And for those who want a new gun license or seek renewal would now have to submit an affidavit stating that they will not misuse the firearms at any wedding or social events.
The absence of firearms on such occasions at banquets and wedding palaces, where liquor flows freely for all, will consequently recede the possibility of celebratory firing.
Punjab is ridden by a rampant gun-toting culture. There have been many instances where lives of people have been lost in celebratory firing in what many explain as an awry display of self-proclaimed ego.
Marriage palaces, banquet halls among other places will have to display instructions prohibiting the carrying of firearms inside. Any violation will invite punishment. The police have been instructed to ensure directions are not violated.
Punjab had earlier made it mandatory for arms license holders to clear a dope test before renewal of a firearm license or while seeking a new one. The fresh move to ebb celebratory firing by prohibiting the movement of firearms also has merit in wake of increasing number of applicants failing dope test while seeking to review their gun license.
In border town Ferozpur alone, over 30 cases have come to fore in last one month where applicants seeking renewal of gun license have failed to clear the mandatory dope test. Punjab is second only to UP when it comes to the highest number of licensed firearms holders in the country. The state has country’s nearly 20% of the total licensed weapons. It is estimated that Punjab has more firearms than those possessed by the state police.
It now remains to be seen if the directions are implemented in letter and spirit. Gun-toting culture and celebratory firing during weddings etc is ill-conceived in Punjab, like in many other places, as a display of amplified power and authority before the gathering. Such tendency to fire gunshots in the air during celebrations often get augmented amidst performances by dancing troupes hired for weddings.
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(Published 01 May 2018, 14:43 IST)

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