Shimla, August 22, 2024: District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap has issued an order under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023, prohibiting the carrying of any firearms and ammunition within the Nankhari jurisdiction from August 26 to August 31, 2024.
This ban applies to individuals, residents, organizations, and NGOs under the Arms Act, 1959.
However, the order exempts authorized security personnel, including police, paramilitary forces, security forces, and security personnel of government or semi-government institutions and banks, while they are on duty.
All licensed firearm holders in the Nankhari Tehsil are required to deposit their weapons at the Nankhari Police Station by or before August 26, 2024. These weapons will remain in custody until August 31, 2024.
The order comes in the wake of directives from the High Court, instructing the relevant revenue authorities to accurately identify and demarcate encroached government land.
Most of the encroached areas in Nankhari have been turned into mini-markets.
With encroachment removal operations scheduled from August 27 to August 31, 2024 (as per the High Court's timeline), there is a potential risk of law and order issues, which necessitated this ban.
Due to the urgency and unforeseen nature of the situation, these orders have been issued unilaterally and addressed to the general public. Violators of this order will face legal action.
The order is effective immediately and will remain in force until August 31, 2024.
