In view of the prevailing law and order situation, Thoubal District Magistrate Yumnam Robita has ordered all licensed firearm holders residing in Sangaiyumpham and Khangabok villages to deposit their firearms and ammunition at Thoubal Police Station by October 24.
The order, issued on October 23, follows a request from the Superintendent of Police, Thoubal, citing the prevailing security situation in the two villages.
Exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, read with the relevant provisions of the Arms Act, 1959, the District Magistrate directed that the deposited firearms must remain in police custody until the prohibitory order imposed in the areas is revoked.
The Officer-in-Charge of Thoubal Police Station has been directed to ensure the safe custody and proper maintenance of the deposited firearms in the police station armoury and issue proper acknowledgements to the respective licence holders. The officer has also been instructed to serve notices to all concerned firearm licence holders immediately.
The order comes after prohibitory restrictions were imposed across the revenue villages of Sangaiyumpham and Khangabok from 11 pm on October 18 amid the prevailing law and order situation.