387 licensed firearms collected ahead of Baitadi elections

Baitadi: A total of 387 loaded firearms have been handed over to the District Administration Office in Baitadi as part of preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21. The administration had requested the return of all licensed weapons and ammunition to ensure election security.

Baldev Badu, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Baitadi, stated that the police, along with their subordinate units, collected the firearms by mobilizing personnel and spreading information through social media.

Although a notice had been issued on Magh 20 requesting all licensed weapons be returned by that date, not all firearms were surrendered. Binod Bhattarai, Information Officer at the District Administration Office, said the deadline has now been extended until mid-Magh due to the delayed compliance.

According to Information Officer Thapa, 1,086 weapon licenses have been issued in Baitadi, but only 452 have been renewed in the current fiscal year.

The police confirmed that all collected firearms will be securely stored throughout the election period and returned to their respective owners once the elections conclude.