BAITADI, Feb 6: A total of 287 muzzle-loading firearms have been recalled in Baitadi in view of security arrangements for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.
District Police Spokesperson Baldev Badu said the firearms were collected after authorities requested individuals to deposit their licensed weapons to ensure the election is conducted in a free, fair, fearless, and peaceful manner. The weapons were returned in line with this directive.
Over 34,000 licensed firearms possessed by public
Earlier, the District Security Committee had issued an order to submit firearms. The weapons were collected through various police posts, area police offices, and the District Police Office across the district. Authorities said the deposited firearms will be returned after April 2.
The administration stated that the measure was taken to make election security systematic and reliable. Even licensed weapons, it said, could pose security risks during sensitive election periods, prompting the precautionary move.
Chief District Officer Krishna Thapa said such precautionary arrangements are routinely implemented during elections and are considered a standard security practice.
