Dibrugarh: With the Assam assembly election on the horizon, the DM of Tinsukia, Sumit Sattawan, has issued an order directing all licensed arms holders in the district to deposit their weapons and ammunition at their respective jurisdictional police stations within seven days.The order, issued on Tuesday under the provisions of the Arms Rules 2016, is aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process in the district. It covers all categories of arms license holders and takes immediate effect from the date of issue.
“In view of the ensuing Assam Assembly Election 2026 and in exercise of powers upon me notified in Arms Rules 2016, all license holders of arms in Tinsukia District are hereby directed to deposit their weapons along with ammunition at their jurisdictional police station within seven days of this order,” the order stated.The directive also covers arms held by individuals, organisations, institutions, and government departments. Those seeking exemption have been asked to apply in writing to the District Magistrate by 4 pm on February 22, providing details including their license number, Unique Identification Number (UIN), weapon number, and the specific grounds for seeking exemption.“Any organisation, institution, department or individual requiring exemption may apply in writing to the undersigned with details of the license number, UIN, weapon number and reason for which exemption is sought by 4pm of Feb 22,” the order read.Officials confirmed that the deposited arms and ammunition will be returned to the respective license holders by their concerned police station after the declaration of election results, upon submission of their deposit receipts.The DM has invoked a strict penalty clause for non-compliance, warning that violators will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.The order has been issued ex-parte, citing the urgency and exigencies of the situation surrounding the upcoming polls.Copies of the directive have been sent to the senior superintendent of police of Tinsukia and Sadiya, as well as the Co-District superintendent of police (CDSP) of Margherita, along with the officers-in-charge of all police stations and outposts across Tinsukia district for immediate action.
