Chief Electoral Officer Narinder Chauhan said that Election Commission of India has directed to launch a special drive to unearth and seize unlicensed arms and ammunition to ensure peaceful, free and fair bye-election in two assembly constituencies of Nalagarh and Renuka. Chief Electoral Officer said that District Magistrate of Solan and Sirmour Districts would make detailed and individual review and assessment of all license holders in accordance with the prevalent State laws so that licensed arms in those cases where they consider it essential were impounded to ensure maintenance of law and order. He further said that these arms should be deposited with the District Authorities. Source of illegal arms, arms licenses of persons released on bail, arms licenses of persons having a history of criminal offences and persons previously involved in rioting at any time but especially during the election period were among the cases which may need to be reviewed, he added.
Narinder Chauhan said that after such review, the District Administration may pass necessary order to deposit their arms urgently. He said that no individual or group of persons can be allowed to display arms during a procession, any meeting in support of candidate under any circumstances. It has also been directed by Election Commission of India that the meeting or procession for campaigning of a party should be Video-graphed by the District Election Officer, he added. He said that the Director General of Police shall obtain a special report from Superintendent of Police regarding display of arms during a meeting or procession in support of candidate.
