Sharp-Edged Weapons Banned Completely in Kashmir’s Srinagar

Srinagar: Following rising stabbing incidents, the Srinagar district magistrate banned the sale, purchase, and carrying of ‘sharp-edged weapons’ in public places, through a declaration on Friday.

As per the recent order, the possession of sharp-edged weapons in Srinagar “whose blade is more than nine inches long or whose blade is more than two inches wide” for any purpose other than domestic, agricultural, scientific, and industrial purposes would be a cognisable offence under Arms Act 1959.

Individuals possessing a sharp-edged weapon were directed to surrender them at the nearest police station within the next 72 hours.

The ban order came into immediate effect. It is also applicable to sale and purchase of these items. A ‘sharp-edged weapon’ will be any object or instrument that possesses a blade, an edge, or a point capable of causing injury or harm to individuals. So, it is not limited to knives, swords, daggers, box cutters, and razors.

The order further said the ban will be applicable to everyone except law enforcement agencies, and individuals possessing such weapons for legitimate occupational purposes like butchers, carpenters, electricians, chefs etc.