DIMAPUR: District magistrates of Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Peren and Tseminyu districts in Nagaland have on Tuesday (March 19) issued separate orders prohibiting carrying of any kind of arms and ammunition that include firearms, machetes, clubs, spears, explosives, catapults or any other articles designed or adopted as weapon for offence or defence by any person in view of the forthcoming general elections to the Lok Sabha with immediate effect.
The orders were issued in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India regarding preventive action to ensure peaceful, free and fair poll during the general election.
District magistrate of Dimapur in Nagaland – Kevithuto Sophie said that the order was passed ex-parte due to emergent exigencies and will remain in force till further notice.
District magistrate of Peren in Nagaland – Vineet Kumar said that 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 arms and ammunition 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.