LADA, Apr 03: A 70 years-old resident of Lada, Khenewa was apprehended and one country made pistol and tool-box used for manufacturing firearms was recovered from his possession.
A source said that information was received early this year that in the far-flung Lada circle of East Kameng district, illegal fire-arms were manufactured and used for hunting and self-defence purposes.
Intelligence was gathered to identify the persons who were manufacturing, selling and purchasing the weapons based on pin-pointed information of one alleged manufacturer.
A suo-moto case vide FIR No 09/2022 U/S 25(1)(a) of Arms Act 1959 was registered on March 18, 2022.
The person confessed that he manufactured arms and sold them at a cost of Rs 10000-15000.
He was served 41 A CrPC notice keeping his medical condition in mind.
Thereafter, five more weapons were recovered in different raids conducted in the area across five days by Inspector Sochi Don, OC PS Seppa and SI Shakti Lamgu, OC, PS Khenewa, constable Marham Doka, constable Senia Yangfo, constable Shankar Taniang under supervision of Rahul Gupta, SP East Kameng.
As per reports three other persons have been arrested. One firearm was recovered from each one of them and 41 A CrPC notice served on them.
Complete eradication of such dangerous practices required community participation and involvement of all stakeholders.
Focus shifted to convince the slum dwellers to voluntarily surrender the weapons with them and also vow to never purchase and manufacture such illegal arms.
Led by SP East Kameng, Rahul Gupta and Circle Officer Mem Ejing an arms surrender campaign was organised in the area with support of GBs and CBOs for Lada circle. A total of 36 arms were surrendered on March 30 in presence of SP, East Kameng and other officials in Lada circle HQ.
This campaign, it is hoped, will lead to eradicating the manufacturing of illegal firearms and will also protect wildlife of the pristine forests.
Further investigation is on to ensure more recoveries.
