Rising Crime Rates and Gang Wars in Jammu Propel Citizens to Demand Equitable Access to Arms Licenses
Amid escalating security concerns, residents appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for intervention, urging the administration to ensure a fair and transparent arms licensing process.
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh February 02,2025 ||
JAMMU: Jammu has seen a troubling rise in gang wars and violent crimes, leading to a significant increase in attempted murder and murder cases. Many of these crimes are linked to organized gangs, with most of the notorious gangsters now in judicial custody under the Public Safety Act (PSA). However, despite law enforcement actions, criminal activities continue, raising concerns about public safety.
A recent incident that shocked the city was the broad daylight murder of Gattru, a gang-related killing that underscored how criminals are in possession of deadly illegal weapons, while ordinary citizens struggle to obtain legal arms for self-defense.
Besides gang violence, Jammu has also faced rising militant activities. On June 9, 2024, militants ambushed a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Reasi, resulting in nine deaths and 33 injuries. This attack was part of a broader escalation that has seen nearly 200 security personnel and over 350 civilians killed since 2020.
To strengthen law and order, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had earlier imposed strict restrictions on the issuance of arms licenses due to widespread illegal allotments between 2012 and 2016. These restrictions were lifted on January 20, 2023, with the introduction of new guidelines requiring Aadhaar-based identity verification and mandatory police clearance.
DC Jammu’s Assurance to Citizens:
Despite the revocation of restrictions, many eligible citizens in Jammu continue to face delays in obtaining arms licenses. Civil society groups argue that arms licenses should be issued in a transparent manner after the completion of all formalities as per the Arms Act.
However, it is important to note that DC Jammu is a young and dynamic officer, widely recognized for his commitment to safeguarding public rights. He is regularly seen interacting with the public and has assured full support from his office to every genuine citizen of Jammu. The administration has also been actively working to ensure a regulated and lawful issuance of arms licenses while maintaining strict checks to prevent misuse.
Public Demand for Self-Defense Rights:
Amid the rising crime wave, citizens argue that while criminals easily acquire illegal weapons, law-abiding individuals face bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining legal firearms. Civil society organizations emphasize that issuing arms licenses with proper character verification would serve as a deterrent against criminals, ensuring greater security for the public.
With gang wars and violent crimes on the rise, residents are urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure that arms licenses are issued fairly and transparently, following legal protocols. They believe that a well-regulated arms licensing process would restore public confidence and reinforce a sense of safety in the region.
As Jammu continues to grapple with organized crime and militant threats, maintaining a balance between security measures and citizens’ right to self-defense remains a pressing challenge for the administration. Addressing these concerns through efficient and transparent governance will be crucial in ensuring a safer environment for all.
