Punjab Bans Songs Glorifying Guns; State To Review All Arms Licences

Picture courtesy The Indian Express

Chandigarh: The law and order situation in Punjab has come under scanner following back-to-back murders of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri in Amritsar and Dera Sacha Sauda follower Pardeep Singh in Faridkot.

Not many have also forgotten the gunning down of singer-politician Sidhu Moose Wala earlier this year.

Taking note of the widespread concerns, the state government announced some significant steps on Sunday.

The Bhagwant Mann-headed Aam Aadmi Party government has imposed a ban on songs promoting gun culture and violence.

Further, the state administration has prohibited flaunting of weapons and ordered a review of existing arms licences in Punjab.

Concerns over law and order have heightened after back-to-back murders of Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri in Amritsar and Dera Sacha Sauda follower Pardeep Singh in Faridkot, in one week.

According to the order issued by the Home department, songs which glorify guns and violence will be a strict no-no, and there will be a complete ban on carrying and displaying weapons at public events, social gatherings, wedding ceremonies and religious places. Flaunting of weapons will be barred on social media also.

The Home department also directed a full-fledged review of all arms licences within the next three months. If any arm license is found to be issued illegally, it will be revoked immediately. Also, no new arm license will be issued without the district magistrate (deputy commissioner) clearing it.