For several decades now, we have been looking at the USA and the impact of its liberal gun policy. Citizens and legal residents of the US above 18 years of age are permitted to hold guns. The dark fact putforth on estimation is, “in the US gun kills kids more than cancer”. Whereas in India, a country with the objective of peace, harmony and tranquillity possession of arms is illegal. But with the continued radical conflict and the communal polarisation flaming in the society, the demonstration of swords in procession, giving a public call to possess arms and distribution of weapons are in progress.
Currently on account of a traditional Hindu festival, some thugs are placing swords and guns for pooja and are involving in the act of fear mongering by sharing videos of the same via social media. This adds on to the continued act of igniting terror. Unlike USA, Indian law does not encourage the possession of neither arms and ammunitions nor swords which is above 9 inches in size and not used for domestic purpose. The Arms Act of the country also states, “Whoever acquires, has in his possession or carries any prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition in contravention of section 7 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, but which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine”. But the fearless use of prohibited arms in huge numbers in the presence of people’s representatives is cautioning for the democratic and secular India.
Defence Minister of our country Rajnath Singh stated last month that, India is leading towards becoming a Vishwa Guru by 2047 and in order to make India self-reliant arms and ammunitions will be made by Indians and in India. On this regard, India wants to be vishwa guru in matters of development and self dependence and not in matters of civil violence. The fearless and open showcase of arms not only threatens the communal harmony of the nation but also harms the future of young India.
Like Americans, Indians do not want schools to become a place of bloodshed and children the holder of weapons. Fire arms and weapons in India can be occupied only after acquiring the licence by the District Authority. And in this regard, it becomes the responsibility of the authority to look after the legality of the possessed arms. As it is police who look after Law and Order in the state, the department too is responsible in mitigating illegal possession and hate mongering. If not, then as Martin Luther King Jr said, “The silence of the good people is more dangerous than the brutality of bad people.”
