Home Ministry Demands Weapon License Details Within 24 Hours

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a directive to all District Administration Offices, compelling them to furnish comprehensive details regarding weapons for which licenses have been issued, within a strict 24-hour timeframe.

This directive follows swiftly on the heels of an alarming incident where two individuals were apprehended carrying a licensed firearm within the premises of the Supreme Court.

Under the provisions of the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1962, possession of firearms is permissible only upon obtaining explicit authorization from local administrative bodies. The office of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane revealed that the ministry dispatched notices to its subordinate agencies on Tuesday, mandating the submission of information pertaining to licensed weapons.

The ministry’s directive encompasses a thorough disclosure, requiring District Administration Offices to furnish particulars encompassing the license holder’s name, the intended purpose, type, and quantity of the weapon, as well as the current status of license renewal. Additionally, authorities have been instructed to identify instances where licensed firearms have been utilized in contravention of regulations, including cases of unauthorized usage or failure to renew licenses.

The impetus for this heightened scrutiny stems from the recent arrest of two individuals on the premises of the Supreme Court. Identified as Deepak Khadka and Ram Kumar Dhimal, these individuals, acting as bodyguards for medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, were intercepted by a team led by Police Inspector Bijay Bhandari during a routine search. The search yielded a firearm, along with an assortment of magazines and ammunition, concealed within a black bag.

Police investigations have revealed that the confiscated weapon possessed a valid license issued by the District Administration Office of Jhapa.

The Ministry of Home Affairs aims to preempt potential security lapses by bolstering oversight and ensuring strict adherence to firearm regulations. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law.