The government of Punjab, on Sunday, outlawed the usage and display of firearms in public and on social media, as well as the endorsement of gun culture in songs and other popular media. Notably, the opposition in Punjab had been continuously demanding the state government to take strict action against the increasing number of shootouts in the state. Moreover, now the government has taken the decision.
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Furthermore, the decision is seen as a big action taken by the Bhagwant Mann government against the rising gangster culture and criminal activities in the state. Punjab experienced a number of gang wars and shootout incidents in recent months, including the murder of singer and politician Sidhu Moose Wala. Moreover, numerous questions had been raised against the Mann government over Punjab’s law and order situation.
Notably, the state government will also review the weapon licences over the next three months in an effort to ensure that the implementation of the ban is flawless. The Punjab Director General of Police, Police Commissioners, District Magistrates, and Senior Superintendents of Police have received letters from the Principal Secretary (Home) directing them to evaluate the state’s current arm licences. In accordance with the directions, any licences granted to undesirable individuals must be immediately revoked.
Moreover, the official notice specifically states that carrying a weapon at a place of worship, a wedding, a party, or any other public gathering will result in swift punishment, immediate action would be taken. Additionally, the government has admitted that songs glorifying gun culture have contributed to some insensitivity toward the problem of gun usage and violence.
The Mann government had been continuously criticised due to the incidents like Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder and Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri’s killing in broad daylight. Furthermore, the decision of the Bhagwant Mann government to ban the publicising of firearms and songs glorifying weapons, is seen as one of the biggest actions taken to control the gun and gangster culture in the state.
