AP told to ease norms
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 5:12 pm
In the Deccan Chronicle today:
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderaba ... -norms-405AP told to ease norms
DC Correspondent
HYDERABAD
Aug. 21: The National Association for Gun Rights has opposed the new stringent conditions imposed by the Central government to issue weapon licenses saying that it would deny citizens the "right to self defence."
The NAGRI, which has around 100 members in the city, said citizens had the right to own firearms since the crime rate had gone up drastically in metropolitan cities. They strongly criticised the proposed amendments to the Arms Act by the Union ministry of home affairs.
"As per the amendments, the arms license seekers have to prove `verifiable threat' before they are given a license," said Mr Rahul Rai, the president of the NAGRI. "There are only rare instances of law abiding citizens misusing licensed guns. We disagree with the government's views on proliferation of licensed weapons."
He added that most crimes were committed by those who owned illegal weapons. "Out of the total number of firearms in the country only one per cent comprises legal weapons," he said. "We do not advocate misuse. If any person misuses the weapons, there should be strict punishment," he added.
According to the NAGRI, the clause of verifiable threat will make only VIPs and VVIPs eligible to get weapon license.
"Former policemen who seek employment as guards in banks will also suffer," he said. "How can they prove threat to their life?" asked the NAGRI president. "Constitutional Right of self defence is the justified use of force to protect oneself and one's property from criminal attack," said the NAGRI vice president, Mr Gusti Noria.
As per the existing law the licensing authority has to wait for police report if it is not given in the prescribed time. The ministry of home affairs decided to delete this provision. The NAGRI said that the government issued directives to all states and Union Territories for implementation of the new Arms Act for individuals.