JOWAI:
In view of the upcoming assembly elections in Meghalaya, the District Magistrate of West Jaintia Hills through an order issued on January 18 has directed all Arms License Holders to deposit their arms and ammunition along with xerox copies of License without fail to their nearest Police Stations or Outposts for safe custody and the same will be released after the election process is over.
The order also prohibits persons from carrying arms. However, this order does not apply to members of the police security forces, paramilitary forces who may carry arms in connection with their lawful duties.
The order stated that non-compliance to the order will result in imposition of penalties which shall not be less than (one year) and may be extended to three years and shall also be liable to fine.