Manipur limits gun use in Noneh district ahead of elections

Imphal: In light of recent violence, the Manipur government has temporarily restricted the use of licensed firearms in Noneh district.

As a security measure for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, all licensed gun owners in Noneh must deposit their firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station within two weeks.

Following Section 21 of the Arms Act, 1959, the district administration is requiring all licensed gun owners to deposit their weapons and cartridges by March 15, 2024. This order is effective immediately.

This directive marks the first significant regulation concerning licensed firearms in the district. Notably, in October 2023, the Noney District Magistrate banned hunting, killing, and possessing wildlife, including the Amur falcon.

Furthermore, the Goitang Village Authority Council (GOVAC) within the Khoupum sub-division of Noney district has implemented a complete ban on hunting wild animals and birds within its jurisdiction.

GOVAC has also prohibited poaching of rare and endangered wildlife and the use of dynamos and chemicals for fishing.