The state government has taken a strict stand regarding gun culture in Punjab. Glorification of weapons or violence is not new in Punjabi songs, so songs glorifying weapons or violence will also be prohibited. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued strict instructions regarding this. Along with the ban on public display of weapons, all arms licenses issued so far will be fully reviewed within the next 3 months. Also, new licenses will not be granted for a new weapon unless the District Collector is personally satisfied or there are exceptional grounds suitable for authorizing the appealing end.
The government has also taken strict steps to stop the public display of weapons in Punjab. Under this, the public display of weapons (including demonstrations on social media) will be strictly prohibited. Along with this, random checking will be done in different areas in the coming days.
FIR will be registered against those who would not adhere to government instructions and strict action will also be taken against those who speak abusive language against any community/religion.
Also, hasty or careless use of weapons or firing during celebration especially in marriages or any personal party that endangers human life or the personal safety of others, shall be a punishable offence now onwards in Punjab. An FIR will be registered against the violator.
To review the orders, random checking will be done in the coming days, the sources added.
In order to put a check on the gun culture in the state, a ban will also be imposed on songs that promote gun culture or violence in the state.
The state witnessed two major incidents — killing of Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri on November 4 and Dera Sacha Sauda follower Pardeep Singh on November 10.
In May this year, the state witnessed the death of famous Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala who was shot dead in Jawaharke village of Mansa district. Dozens of gangsters have been arrested by the police in connection with the case.