KATHMANDU, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali government has introduced an ordinance to check illegal arms possession with provisions of additional fine and jail-term for offenders, The Kathmandu Post reported on Thursday.
According to the daily, the ordinance introduced Monday brings amendments in the existing Arms and Ammunition Act 2019 BS (1962), slapping jail-terms from six months to seven years and fine amount from 5,000 Nepali rupees (about 79 U.S. dollars) to a maximum 50,000 rupees (about 793 dollars) on those found guilty of possessing illegal arms.
The newly introduced legal provision also allows authorities to keep guilty persons in judicial custody to initiate action against them.
Home Ministry officials are optimistic that the newly introduced legal provision will greatly help curb criminal activities across the country.
"Criminals are highly motivated as they have to face little punishment and can also get released on bail," said Ek Mani Nepal, deputy spokesperson of Home Ministry.
"The ordinance will greatly help curb criminal activities as it increases punishment and allows authorities to put such persons in judicial custody," he added.
Earlier, authorities could charge maximum 21,000 rupees (about 333 dollars) fine and 7-year jail term or both to those manufacturing, repairing, possessing or selling canons or machine guns.
On April 2, the Home Ministry had asked all those possessing illegal arms to surrender them within seven days. However, no one surrendered arms then, according to officials.¡¡
