Surrender unlicensed firearms by November 1: Karnataka CM

Bengaluru, Sept 23 : Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday urged people living along forest fringes and possessing unlicensed firearms to surrender the weapons at their respective jurisdictional police stations by November 1.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly while presenting the state government's stand on the Kasturirangan report, Mr Shivakumar said the government was concerned about the use of unlicensed firearms for hunting wildlife in forest areas.

He said thousands of cameras had been installed in forests using new technology to strengthen wildlife and forest protection. He cautioned people against entering forest areas for hunting.

"Do not go into the forest and hunt animals just because someone tells you to," the Chief Minister said, urging legislators to create awareness among people in their respective constituencies.

Mr Shivakumar said the government would issue firearm licences to those who genuinely require them, subject to the prescribed legal requirements.

He also appealed to legislators to sensitise people in forest-fringe areas about the need to surrender unlicensed firearms and refrain from hunting wildlife.

The appeal came during the special session of the Karnataka Legislature, where the government presented the state's stand on the Kasturirangan report and outlined measures aimed at protecting the interests of people living in the forest and Western Ghats regions.