Arunachal: Student union demands crackdown on illegal arms ahead of elections

Itanagar: The All Kurung Kumey District Students Union (AKKDSU) has raised alarm over the growing prevalence of illegal arms and fake gun licenses in Arunachal Pradesh, expressing concern that it could lead to violence during the upcoming 2024 elections.

"With elections approaching, it's crucial for the administration and police to tackle illegal arms and fake licenses," stated AKKDSU general secretary Bapu Bengia, highlighting the chaotic situation in the district during the 2019 polls due to widespread weapon presence.

Echoing this concern, AKKDSU president Tarh Demi stressed the need for peaceful elections and announced plans to petition the district deputy commissioner and superintendent of police for the imposition of Section 144, which restricts public gatherings, during the election period.

"We cannot allow a repeat of the 2019 violence," the union declared.

Reports indicate that 129 individuals in the Kurung Kumey and Papum Pare districts possess fake gun licenses.

Authorities have also seized 61 illegal rifles in Sangram, 31 in Nyapin, and 28 in Koloriang within Kurung Kumey alone.

Additionally, six cases of fake licenses have been reported in Kimin, Banderdewa, and Itanagar police stations.