158 weapons submitted in six months
RUKUM, July 15: The Maoist rebels had launched their decade-long armed struggle by attacking a police post in Aathbiskot Municipality of Rukum. Hundreds of people lost their lives during the insurgency period in the district. The eastern part of the district was especially affected by the conflict.
Okhaldhunga locals told to submit illegal arms and ammunition
However, the locals of the insurgency-affected areas have started submitting their arms and weapons to the government of late. So as to ensure peace and security in their localities, locals here have submitted 158 weapons to the administration in the last six months. Locals of the villages which were most affected by the conflict have been found more actively submitting illegal weapons to ensure peace and security in the district.
Even today, there is a tradition of firing gunshots during births, marriages and deaths. This was the reason why most people kept weapons at their houses. Guns are the inevitable part of their culture. However, they have started giving up this tradition after understanding their role in maintaining peace in the country.
Suresh Pun of Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality-4 informed Republica that people are submitting their weapons to the District Administration Office. He says he started this campaign hoping this will curb social and wildlife crimes. Earlier, 111 weapons were submitted to the DAO while on Sunday an additional 47 guns were submitted.
Mitra Lal Sharma, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Rukum (East) says this is a great achievement for the district. He thanked the locals of his district for obeying the decision and contributing to strengthening peace. The weapons submitted by the locals are kept at the District Police Office (DPO) by maintaining records.
In recent days, police have recovered a huge cache of weapons and explosives from the forests which were used to hide arms and ammunition during the conflict period.
