SANL demands stricter gun laws
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 21 2023:
A sit in protest was staged at Singjamei Thongam Leikai today demanding a discussion on review of license gun issuance system and formulation of a comprehensive rules and regulations to getagun license in the forthcoming Assembly session.
Similar demonstration was also staged at Sunusiphai Staged under the banner "Sit in protest against the gun culture in Manipur," the protesters at Singjamei held placards with inscriptions such as " Do a regular mental health check up of license gun holders", "Stop issuing license guns indiscriminately" and "Collect illegal guns" among others.
The protest demonstration was organised by Singjamei Apunba Nupi Lup (SANL).
Speaking to media persons, SANL publicity secretary Sumati Sougrakpam said that the State has been witnessing many instances of gun violence partly because the Government issued license guns indiscriminately.
She urged the Government to hold a discussion on reviewing the protocol in which license guns are being issued in the State and frame proper regulations to prevent gun violence.
Saying that a mental check up must be done for all people applying to get license guns, Sumati reasoned that giving a permit to hold license guns to only normal individuals would be a right step.
Issuance and holding of license guns unsystematically has become a major issue of the State as it creates many violence and deaths, she added.
It is imperative for the Government to change the system of license gun issuance to control gun violence, Sumati further said and added that it is not mandatory to give license guns to all applicants.
She further expressed desire for the Government to keep a tab of all license gun holders.
On the other hand, Sumati urged the Government to appoint a Chairman of Manipur State Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and strengthen the commission.
Meanwhile at Sunusiphai, secretary of Sunusiphai Youth Welfare Association (SYWA) Nameirakpam Bidyananda also urged the Government to do a mental health check-up of all license applicants as handing guns is a very sensitive issue.
Saying that many individuals and families have been victimised by gun culture, he added that instances of gun violence were even reported even after the Deputy Commissioners issued an order to surrender license gun holders in the run up to recent Assembly elections.
He also appealed to the State Government to make sure police personnel are given education on human rights and declarations to reduce gun violence.