DPO, while issuing the deadline, had even told the locals that they would not face action if they submit illegal arms in their possession within the given deadline.[break]
“We are aware that many locals possess illegal arms in the district but they are reluctant to hand them over to the authorities. As the deadline has expired, we will have to take action against those possessing illegal arms,” said SP Govinda Ram Pariyar.
He also said a large number of police personnel would be deployed to conduct a search operation. Action would be taken against owners of such illegal arms, he said.
According to a knowledgeable source, there are more than 100 illegal arms in Gaur municipality alone as a large number of illegal arms are smuggled into the district from India. The source claimed there are more than 1,000 illegal arms in the district.
Though the DPO allows possession of licensed arms, more than two dozens locals are yet to renew their license since 1995.
According to Jiwan Prasad Oli, chief district officer, the district administration has no information about registered small arms except around 145 registered big arms.
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