Army Command orders inquiry into reports of gun running

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) An inquiry has been ordered by the Army Command at Jaipur into reports of sale of non-service pattern (NSP) weapons, the Army Headquarters announced here today.

The inquiry would ascertain if there has been any breach of regulations related to procurement and sale of NSP weapons.

The Army said the inquiry followed a communication from the Rajasthan government of some cases of sale of such weapons.

Those weapons which have become obsolescent and have already been phased out of the Army, are classified as NSP weapons.

These weapons, if available, are sold at Government-approved rates to all ranks. Any Army personnel, however, can procure only one NSP after getting a valid arms license.

Once acquired by any Army personnel, laws that are applicable for disposal of any other moveable property govern their retention and disposal.

In case of weapons, the provisions of the Indian Arms Act are also strictly applicable, as for all citizens of the country. In that, it can be sold to a legitimate buyer only, having valid arms license.

Also, legitimacy of the transaction of sale including ensuring of validity arms license of the buyer as well as his antecedents are to be verified as per the civil laws.

UNI