GUWAHATI, March 18 -- District Magistrates across the Northeast states have issued separate directives instructing licensed firearm owners to deposit their weapons at the nearest police stations ahead of the Lok Sabha elections to prevent any potential incidents.

In an official statement, a government representative disclosed, "District Magistrates of the eight Northeast states have issued separate orders directing licensed firearm owners to deposit their arms and ammunition at their nearest police stations by the end of this month. Failure to comply will result in the confiscation of their licensed firearms by the authorities."

The orders are aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring the peaceful conduct of the general elections ...