Security drive launched ahead of HoR polls, amid poaching concerns
KATHMANDU, JANUARY 3
Police in Myagdi have confiscated 115 illegal firearms in a month-long security operation, marking the highest-ever seizure of unlicensed guns in the district.
The District Police Office launched 'Operation Bravo Sera' on December 1, targeting illegal arms ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 and to curb wildlife poaching in forested areas, officials said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Surya Bahadur Thapa said the largest number of firearms-48-were recovered from Raghuganga Rural Municipality. Other seizures included 20 from Malika, 16 from Annapurna, 14 from Mangala, six from Dhaulagiri, and 11 from Beni Municipality.
Police said the campaign focused on areas vulnerable to poaching, including the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the Annapurna Conservation Area, and community forests, as well as villages where firearms are sometimes used in local disputes.
District Police Office information officer Inspector Sagar Timilsina said the weapons were recovered from sheds, forests, riverbank,s and abandoned houses based on patrols and tip-offs from local residents. Most of the seized firearms were locally made and found to be in working condition.
Under existing law, possession or use of an illegal firearm without a licence can result in up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 50,000.
(With inputs from RSS)