Assam District Magistrate Issues Strict Order for Arms Deposit Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
In a decisive move to secure a peaceful electoral environment, the District Magistrate of Tinsukia in Assam, Sumit Sattawan, has mandated that all licensed arms holders in the district must surrender their weapons and ammunition to their local police stations within a strict seven-day timeframe. This directive, officially issued on Tuesday, leverages the authority granted under the Arms Rules of 2016 and is set to take immediate effect from the date of its announcement.
Comprehensive Coverage and Exemption Procedures
The order encompasses a wide range of entities, including individual citizens, various organisations, educational and other institutions, as well as government departments that possess licensed firearms. For those seeking an exemption from this requirement, the District Magistrate has outlined a specific application process. Interested parties must submit a written request by 4 PM on February 22, providing detailed information such as their license number, Unique Identification Number (UIN), weapon number, and a clear justification for why exemption should be granted.
Authorities have assured that once the election results are officially declared, all deposited arms and ammunition will be promptly returned to their rightful owners. This return process will be facilitated through the concerned police stations upon presentation of the original deposit receipts by the license holders.
Legal Ramifications and Enforcement Measures
To underscore the seriousness of this directive, District Magistrate Sumit Sattawan has invoked stringent legal penalties for any instances of non-compliance. Violators who fail to adhere to the order will face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) of 2023, highlighting the administration's commitment to maintaining law and order during the critical election period.
The order has been issued on an ex-parte basis, citing the urgent and exigent circumstances surrounding the impending Assam Assembly Election of 2026. This approach allows for swift implementation without prior notice, ensuring that preventive measures are in place well ahead of the electoral process.
Administrative Coordination and Implementation
To ensure effective execution, copies of the directive have been disseminated to key law enforcement officials across the Tinsukia district. This includes the Senior Superintendent of Police for both Tinsukia and Sadiya, the Co-District Superintendent of Police (CDSP) in Margherita, as well as the officers-in-charge of all police stations and outposts within the district. These officials are tasked with overseeing the immediate and thorough enforcement of the order, thereby contributing to a secure and violence-free election atmosphere.
