Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, carrying weapons in Nagaland banned

Kohima: The District Magistrates of Nagaland’s Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Peren and Tseminyu districts issued separate orders on Tuesday banning the carrying of any type of arms and ammunition, including firearms. Includes weapons, knives, clubs, spears, explosives, catapults or others. Article designed or adopted as a weapon for offense or defense by any person with immediate effect in view of the forthcoming general elections to the Lok Sabha.
These orders are issued in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India regarding precautionary measures to ensure peaceful, free and fair polling during general elections.
The District Magistrate of Dimapur in Nagaland – Kevithuto Sophie said that the order was passed unilaterally due to urgent needs and will remain in force till further notice.
District Magistrate of Peren in Nagaland – Vineet Kumar said all licensed arms unless exempted under law must be deposited at the nearest police station on or before March 30.

He further said the order is applicable to all the persons within Peren district of Nagaland except the police personnel and the security forces and the officials/personnel involved in law and order duty.

In his order, Tseminyu district magistrate Rohit Singh said carrying of licensed arms may lead to intimidation of electors, cause breach of peace and tranquility and may disrupt public order within the Tseminyu district which may adversely impact the peaceful, free and fair conduct of general election within the district.

He also directed all licensed arms holders within Tseminyu district to deposit the licensed weapons under their possession to the nearest police station on or before March 30.

The deposited licensed arms and ammunition will be released one week after the declaration of election results.