Srinagar, July 21: In response to a series of stabbing incidents in various areas of Srinagar, the authorities have implemented a ban on the sale, purchase, and carrying of sharp-edged weapons at public places across the district was ordered on Friday.
The ban includes objects or instruments that have blades, edges, or points capable of causing harm, such as knives, swords, daggers, box cutters, and razors.
The decision came after the Senior Superintendent of Police in Srinagar reported a worrying trend of multiple stabbing attacks involving these dangerous weapons in recent months. Incidents were observed in neighborhoods like Qamarwari, Bemina, Kralpora, Batmaloo, Nowhatta, Kothibagh, and Rambagh during the past three months.
The primary reason behind this crucial measure is the paramount importance of ensuring public safety. The use of sharp-edged weapons in public places poses a significant threat to the lives of citizens.
The possession of sharp-edged weapons with blades longer than 9 inches or wider than 2 inches, except for domestic, agricultural, scientific, and industrial purposes, is already deemed an offense under the Arms Act of 1959.
To enforce this ban effectively, the District Magistrate of Srinagar has included several key points in the order. The ban applies to all business establishments engaged in the sale and purchase of such weapons.
Public places, which encompass streets, parks, recreational areas, public parks, transport facilities, markets, schools, religious places, government buildings, and other locations accessible to the general public, are included in the ban.
However, the ban does not extend to law enforcement agencies and individuals who use such weapons for legitimate occupational purposes, such as butchers, carpenters, electricians, and chefs.
To ensure compliance, individuals possessing sharp-edged weapons must surrender them at the nearest police station within the next 72 hours. Failure to do so will result in the seizure of the weapons by the Srinagar police, and appropriate legal action will be taken under the Indian Penal Code.
The responsibility to implement the ban effectively lies with the Senior Superintendent of Police in Srinagar. The authorities are determined to enforce the order strictly and maintain public safety as a top priority.
This decisive action by the Srinagar administration aims to prevent further incidents of violence involving sharp-edged weapons and to create a safer environment for the citizens. It is hoped that this ban will significantly reduce the occurrence of stabbing incidents and promote a sense of security and well-being among the people of Srinagar.
