Unlike in previous parliamentary, assembly and civic body elections, the Batala police this time has not issued any blanket order ordering residents to deposit their firearms before the municipal corporation (MC) elections.
Earlier, all residents owning weapons were strictly asked to hand them over at either the nearest police station or authorised gun houses. However, this time, with the MC polls slated to be held on May 26, the police have ordered only those persons to deposit their weapons who have criminal cases registered against them or whom the cops fear may indulge in violence during election day.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) or the State Election Commission (SEC) has not given instructions to deposit arms.The Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner (DC) has passed verbal orders to the police to confiscate weapons.
“In a change of policy, only people who have FIRs against them or residents who may disturb the peace and tranquillity within the limits of the Batala MC will have to obey the police orders,” said an officer.
SSP Mehtab Singh confirmed this development. Sources say the blanket order to surrender weapons goes against the instructions of the ECI and the SEC.
The order asking a person to surrender firearms can be issued by the police only after the case is individually examined by a screening committee. Such committees have been set up by the police.
In any case, the authorities have categorised residents who are exempt from arms’ deposit. Under these categories come active personnel in armed forces, armed security guards working in banks or organisations transporting cash or valuables, sportspersons registered with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) or its affiliated state unit and individuals with a high threat perception.
