Nepal Govt bans carrying licensed weapons in public places

Kathmandu, Sept 20: The Nepalese authorities have prohibited the carrying of even licensed guns in Government offices and public places, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order prohibiting the carrying of registered firearms in legislative buildings, courts, government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, public transportation, marketplaces, retail malls, theatres, and other public and government facilities.
The ministry published a notification in the National Gazette, stating that carrying firearms by a person is completely forbidden, save for the renewal of permits.
The government’s decision comes after the arrest of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai’s bodyguard in March at the Supreme Court, when he was caught carrying an automatic rifle and ammo. In response, the government conducted a countrywide examination of licensed guns. As a result, on September 16, the ministry issued a notice in the gazette outlining restrictions for the use of licensed firearms and prohibiting their use outside the house.
Similarly, firearms are prohibited in hospitals, airports, public transportation, religious and educational institutions, cinemas, commercial buildings, marketplaces, shopping malls, gatherings or protests, archaeological and protected sites, children’s homes, and other areas prohibited by applicable laws. (UNI)