Karnataka: CM Shivakumar sets November 1 deadline for surrender of unlicensed guns

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday asked people possessing unlicensed firearms to surrender them before November 1, offering an amnesty to those who voluntarily hand over the weapons.

The government will enforce the deadline strictly and take stern action against those found possessing unlicensed guns after November 1, Shivakumar said while speaking at National Forest Martyrs Day observance in Bengaluru. He reiterated the appeal while speaking to the media later.

Shivakumar said several forest department personnel had lost their lives after being targeted with unlicensed weapons. He urged those keeping guns for protection from wild animals or to safeguard livestock to obtain proper licences.


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The CM said the government would not register cases against those who voluntarily surrender their unlicensed firearms. He also said he would discuss a liberalised licensing regime with the DGP.

The government had years ago asked people across the state to surrender illegal firearms, following which thousands of weapons were handed over to authorities. In his home taluk of Kanakapura, Shivakumar said he had persuaded people to surrender about 300 guns.

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The government has information on several people possessing country-made guns, he said, warning that those who fail to comply with the November 1 deadline would face action.