Following directions from the Election Commission to the police and civil administration, the process of depositing firearms by licence-holders holders has begun. However, the process, which has been advanced this time, has burdened the policemen who have keep round-the-clock guard of over three lakh firearms deposited at various police stations in the state.
Earlier, such a directive used to be issued once the poll dates were announced. But this time, the Election Commission has become overcautious and has started the process in advance, something that is hurting the licencees as well.
Several licencees who live on the outskirts of cities or in their agricultural fields say without their weapons they are exposed to threats to their life and property.
The firearms have to be deposited at nearest police stations and a receipt is given to licencees. Once the elections get over, the licencees can get back their weapons after producing the receipt. The police is seeking the help of private gun dealers to deposit these weapons and allowing them to charge monthly deposit fee from weapon owners.
