Order to deposit arms ahead of elections irks UDP candidate

TURA, Jan 18: Former MLA and UDP candidate from South Tura John Leslee K Sangma has questioned a circular directing those in possession of firearms to deposit their licensed weapons at the nearest police station for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Sangma stated that authorities cannot issue such a “blanket order” while, at the same time, requesting the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner to intervene in the matter.
Referring to a recent ruling of the Bombay High Court, Sangma said, “Such a blanket order is a harassment to the licensed holder and is as observed by the division bench of Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice Rajesh Ketkar of the Bombay High Court an order which is not proper and a law-abiding citizen to whom license is issued for his safety may take an order to surrender as an affront to his dignity.”
According to Sangma, guidelines were framed by the High Court, which say that a screening committee should be in place prior to every election and it was the duty of the committee to shortlist licensed holders with criminal records and antecedents or those who are convicted and out on bail.
“Only when the police receive a report of such screening, can they issue notice to the person concerned, asking him to deposit his weapon,” Sangma maintained.