Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 21: In response to a spate of recent stabbing incidents in the city, the District Administration Srinagar has taken decisive action to curb the threat to public safety today by imposing a ban on the sale, purchase, and carrying of sharp-edged weapons in public places within the district.
The decision comes after the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, reported a surge in stabbing incidents over the past few months, particularly in areas such as Qamarwari, Bemina, Kralpora, Batamaloo, Nowhatta, Kothibagh and Rambagh.
Recognizing the paramount importance of public safety, the District Magistrate, Srinagar has taken this step to prevent further occurrences of such violent acts.
As per the order, the possession of sharp-edged weapons with a blade length of more than 9 inches or width of more than 2 inches for any purpose other than domestic, agricultural, scientific or industrial use is already considered a cognizable offence under the Arms Act 1959.
The ban applies to all individuals, except for law enforcement agencies and those with legitimate occupational needs, such as butchers, carpenters electricians, and chefs.
As per the order, the prohibition extends to various public places, including streets, parks, recreational areas, public transport facilities, markets, schools, religious places, Government buildings and any other location accessible to the general public. Business establishments engaged in the sale or purchase of sharp-edged weapons are also subject to the ban.
The District Magistrate has emphasized the urgency of compliance, requiring anyone in possession of such weapons to surrender them to the nearest Police Station within the next 72 hours. The order underlines that failure to do so will result in the seizure of the weapons by the District Police Srinagar, followed by appropriate legal action.
The order, implemented with immediate effect, will be enforced diligently by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring its strict adherence. “Any violation of this order will be dealt with firmly, and appropriate legal action will be taken under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.”