SRINAGAR: Following the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule, the district administration of Bandipora has urged all civilians and personnel, both retired and serving, holding valid arms licences to deposit their weapons and ammunition at the respective police stations within seven days.
District Election Officer/District Magistrate Bandipora, Shakeel-ul-Reman (IAS), also mandated that all printing presses operating within the north Kashmir district clearly indicate the names and addresses of the printer and publisher on any election pamphlets or posters.
An order by the DEO/DM stated, “In compliance with the instructions from the Election Commission of India, there will be a complete prohibition on issuing new arms licences until the conclusion of the election process.”
Additionally, printing presses within the Bandipora district are required to submit copies of election material and declarations from publishers to the district office within three days of printing.
The administration cautioned printing press owners and operators against violating Section 127 A of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, and the Election Commission of India’s directives. Non-compliance may result in severe consequences, including the possible revocation of printing press licences.
