All the District Magistrates (DMs) of Tripura have issued separate orders asking arms licensed holders to deposit their guns and ammunition at the nearest police stations to ensure no untoward incidents occur during the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Section 144 also has been imposed in all bordering areas to prevent any untoward movement of anti-socials.

“District Magistrates of the eight districts of Tripura have issued separate orders directing the licensed armed owners to deposit their arms and ammunition to their nearest police stations within March 23rd next, failing which their licensed arms would be confiscated by the authority,” said the orders issued by DMs.

It said that the orders have been issued under Arms Act 1959 with a view to maintain law and order and to ensure peaceful conduct of the general elections.

The order stated that it will not affect duty police, TSR, Central Arms Police Forces (CAPFs) and other armed forces, forest guards, banks, IOCL and SIS cash service private limited. If any violation of the order notices, stringent action will be taken under section-188 of IPC. After completion of the election process, all the arms and ammunition will be returned to the licensing persons within seven days.

Elections to the 2 Lok Sabha seats of Tripura will be held in the first and second phase of the seven-phase 2024 parliamentary elections. The voting for West Tripura parliamentary constituency will be held on April 19 in the first phase and voting of ST reserved East Tripura parliamentary constituency will be held on April 26 in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections.

It may be recalled here that the by-elections for 7-Ramnagar assembly constituency in Agartala will also be held on April 19 during the first phase of LS elections.