New Delhi, Dec 10, 2019 (Yes Punjab News)
Partap Singh Bajwa, M.P, Rajya Sabha, urged the Government to allow the Arms Amendment Bill, 2019 to go to a Select Committee to allow proper scrutiny and allow Parliamentarians to study and suggest steps to the issue of illegal firearms, during the
consideration of the Bill, earlier today (10.12.2019).
The MP stated that the issue regarding firearms is extremely important for the State of
Punjab. He mentioned that the Chief Minister of the State also wrote on this issue to the
Prime Minister of India.
Given that 70% of the population in the State of Punjab lives in the villages, especially in small farms and homes, there is a necessity for them to have different kinds of firearms.
Especially due to the dangers of animals to their crops in these small houses, they may need to own rifles and as they travel, a smaller firearm would be necessary.
Mr. Bajwa also pointed out those who have licences are eminent persons in these
societies who have got the licences due to the necessity of the same. He pointed out
that criminals are not the ones who apply for these legal licences. As per data of the
National Crimes Records Bureau, over 90% of all incidents relating to firearms, are
illegal weapons.
He also supported the suggestion of Dr. Ashok Bajpai, that those who have already
received licenses for three weapons be allowed to keep the same and that new licences
can be under the new rules of two weapons only.
Mr. Bajwa also urged that the Government allows the Bill to go to a Select Committee so that the issues regarding illegal firearms can be properly scrutinised and a good solution can be arrived at.
Mr. Bajwa supported portions of the Bill that brought new penalties for the production,
trafficking and procurement of illegal firearms and the proactive steps the Government
is taking to deal with the issue of illegal firearms.
But he stated that if the Government allows the Bill to go to a Select Committee a more comprehensive solution could be found over this complex issue.
