Jammu and Kashmir: Following a rise in stabbing incidents in several areas of Srinagar, authorities on Friday ordered a ban on the sale and purchase of sharp-edged weapons in public places across the district. The district administration has ordered the J&K Police to take necessary action, while all vendors have been asked to deposit “weapons” at the nearest police stations within the next 72 hours.
There have been eight incidents of knife-wielding in Srinagar city in the last three months, in which three people died and five others were injured. Incidents were reported from Qamarwari, Bemina, Kralpora, Batamalu, Nowhatta, Kothibagh and Rambagh during the last 3 months. The latest incident took place on Thursday in Idgah area of Srinagar.
Will have to surrender at the police station
The order said, “Any person who is in possession of sharp edged weapons shall surrender at the nearest police station within the next 72 hours, following which such weapons shall be confiscated by the Srinagar Police and appropriate action under law shall be initiated. Any violation of this order shall be dealt with strictly and appropriate legal action shall be taken as per Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.”
According to an order issued from District Magistrate Srinagar, the sale of sharp edged weapons which have been banned include any article or instrument having a blade, edge or point capable of causing injury or harm to persons, but is not limited to knives, swords. Also includes dagger, box cutter, and razor.
Many incidents of attack with sharp edged weapons came to the fore
The order states that this step has been taken after the report of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, that there have been several incidents of stabbing and attack with sharp edged weapons in Srinagar during the last few months.
The order states that the safety and security of the public is of paramount importance and incidents involving the use of sharp edged weapons in public places pose a significant threat to the life and safety of citizens.
Possession of sharp edged weapons for any purpose other than domestic, agricultural, scientific and industrial purposes, the blade of which is more than 09 inches long or the blade of which is more than 02 inches wide, is a cognizable offense under the Arms Act 1959.
Now, therefore, I, the District Magistrate, Srinagar, hereby ban the sale, purchase and carrying of sharp edged weapons in public places in Srinagar with immediate effect.” It added that the ban would apply to commercial establishments engaged in sale and purchase of such weapons.
“sharp edged weapons shall include any object instrument having a blade, edge or point capable of causing injury or harm to persons. Including, but not limited to, knives, swords, daggers, box cutters and razors. Public places shall include streets, parks, recreation areas, public parks, transport facilities, markets, schools, religious places, government buildings and any other place accessible to the general public.”
It states that the ban will apply to all persons except law enforcement agencies and persons carrying such weapons for legitimate professional purposes (such as butchers, carpenters, electricians, cooks etc.).
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