SRINAGAR: In the wake of recent incidents of stabbing in several areas of Srinagar, the authorities on Friday ordered a ban on the possession, sale, and purchase of sharp-edged weapons other than those used for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and scientific purposes in public places across the district.
The order also states any individual in possession of a sharp-edged weapon shall surrender the same within 72 hours.
“Any individual possessing a sharp-edged weapon shall surrender the same in the nearest police station within the next 72 hours after which such weapons shall be seized by Srinagar police and appropriate action shall be initiated under the law. Any violation of this order shall be dealt with firmly, and appropriate legal action will be taken as per section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860,” it said.
It further said that the safety and security of the public is of paramount importance and incidents involving the use of sharp-edged weapons in public places pose a significant threat to the lives and safety of the citizens.
“Possession of sharp-edged weapons whose blade is more than 09 inches long or whose blade is more than 02 inches wide for any purpose other than domestic, agricultural, scientific, and industrial purposes is a cognizable offense under Arms Act 1959. Now, therefore, I, District Magistrate, Srinagar, hereby impose a ban on the sale, purchase and carrying of sharp-edged weapons in public places, in Srinagar with immediate effect,” reads the order.
” The step has been taken after Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar reported a surge in the incidents of stabbing and attacks using sharp-edged weapons in the Qamarwari, Bemina, Kralpora, Batmaloo, Nowhatta, Kothibagh, and Rambagh areas of Srinagar city in past three months,” it said.
The order shall also be applicable to the business establishments engaged in, the sale and purchase of such weapons.
The order further said that sharp-edged weapons include any object or instrument that possesses a blade, edge, or point capable of causing injury or harm to individuals, but not limited to knives, swords, daggers, box cutters, and razors.
“Sharp-edged weapons shall include any object instrument that possesses a blade, edge, or point capable of causing injury or harm to individuals, including but not limited to knives, swords, daggers, box cutters, and razors. Public places shall encompass streets, parks, recreational areas, public parks, transport facilities, markets, schools, religious places, government buildings, and any other locations accessible to the general public.”
Also, the ban has been made applicable to all individuals except law enforcement agencies and individuals possessing such weapons for legitimate occupational purposes (e.g butchers, carpenters, electricians, chefs).
It added that Senior Superintendent of police Srinagar shall implement the order in letter and spirit.
