Drive to seize guns in Kandhamal

PHULBANI (ORISSA): With peace remaining elusive in riot-torn Kandhamal, the district administration on Saturday launched a drive to seize both licensed and illegally owned guns, official sources said.

"As the deadline for surrendering licensed guns expired yesterday, the police will now take steps to seize the arms," Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar said.

As many as 144 persons surrendered their firearms, while 361 others ignored the government's order, he said.

Kumar said the police suspected that some licensed guns could have been used in the violence.

The police had evidence of tribal mobs using guns instead of their traditional arms, the SP said.

Meanwhile, in the continuing police crackdown 103 person have been arrested for instigating violence.

The police have procured motorbikes from the forest department and the Regional Transport Offices' for patrolling remote villages.