Correct Answer :   Punjab

The Punjab AAP government has cancelled the 813 gun licenses across the state in a bid to clamp down on the “gun culture” in the state, Punjab Urban Housing, and Development Minister Aman Arora said during a press conference on 12th March 2023.

* Rules have to be followed for keeping a gun. Now there is a ban on carrying and displaying weapons in public functions, religious places, marriage ceremonies, or any other events in Punjab. Random checking will be done in different areas in the coming days,” the AAP leader said, hinting at a “complete ban on those glorifying violence and weapons.

* Arora added that as of date there are a total of 3,73,053 arms licenses in Punjab but the government is continuously taking action to end gun culture.


Why is Punjab clamping down on gun culture?

The Punjab government has been under pressure from the opposition over “worsening” law and order after the murders of kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambian in March 2022, singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022, the November 2022 killings of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri and Dera Sacha Sauda follower Pardeep Singh.

The state’s recent move to suspend licenses is one in a series of similar measures undertaken by the state previously. On November 13, 2022, the Punjab government ordered a complete ban on the public display of weapons and songs glorifying violence..

Source : Indian Express