The members of the general public in Baitadi district have shown disinclination to the appeal of the District Administration Office (DAO) to turn in the legal firearms with them in view of the House of Representatives and State Assembly elections taking place in the district on November 26.
The Baitadi DAO had, through a public notice, urged the licensed arms holders in the district to hand over these arms to the administration or the nearest police units within November 1 until the elections.
Chief District Officer Siddha Raj Joshi said only 19 people turned in their arms until the deadline. There are 1,129 licensed firearms including muzzle-loaders in Baitadi. He said those disobeying the administration's orders would be liable for legal action as it is against the election code of conduct. CDO Joshi said their arms would be either confiscated or not renewed.
The DAO has once again issued a notice urging the licensed arms holders to turn in the fire arms in their possession to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
Likewise, the DAO Baitadi has prohibited the production, sale and consumption of alcohol in the district during the election period.
