Govt directs DCs to recover 10,000 politically issued firearms

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has issued strict directives to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to swiftly recover and confiscate nearly 10,000 licensed firearms that were issued under political consideration during the previous regime and have yet to be surrendered. 

The minister made the announcement while briefing journalists following the Home Ministry’s working session on the final day of the DC Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Wednesday.

Salahuddin Ahmed stated that despite the deadline set by the interim government for surrendering licensed weapons having passed, a significant number of firearms remain in the field. 

He has instructed the district administration to launch proactive operations to recover these weapons, take legal action against the license holders, and file cases where necessary.

The Home Minister further explained that the process of canceling licenses issued between January 2009 and August 5, 2024, bypassing standard regulations or strictly for political reasons, is ongoing. This verification process will be conducted by district-level committees. The government will exclusively confiscate weapons whose licenses are proven to be flawed or politically motivated. 

However, individuals holding valid licenses issued prior to 2009 will have their firearms returned through the proper legal procedures.

Controlling the proliferation of illegal arms is one of the current government's top priorities to restore public confidence and stabilize law and order, he emphasized.

In addition to arms recovery, Salahuddin Ahmed directed the DCs to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy against narcotics, extortion, and online gambling. "To maintain social equilibrium, it is essential to stop the spread of drugs alongside the use of illegal weapons," he said. 

He added that the government is drafting new legislation to curb online gambling, which is driving money laundering and social decay.

Urging coordinated efforts between the police and the district administration at the grassroots level, the Home Minister concluded that no leniency would be tolerated in maintaining law and order, and regular operations to recover illegal arms will continue to ensure public safety.