DM Udhampur Issues Strict 15-Day Deadline for Surrender of Excess and Unauthorized Firearms

UDHAMPUR, J&K | January 09, 2026 — Following the latest mandates under the Arms (Amendment) Act 2019 and the Arms Rules 2016, the District Magistrate of Udhampur, Saloni Rai (IAS), has issued a decisive order requiring the immediate deposition of firearms in several specific categories to ensure regional public safety.

Under this new directive, any individual possessing more than the legally permitted limit of two firearms must surrender the excess weapons to their nearest police station within 15 days.

The order further mandates that legal heirs of deceased license holders who are still in possession of firearms beyond the stipulated period, as well as individuals holding licenses without a valid Unique Identification Number (UIN) or those with expired licenses, must also deposit their arms and ammunition within the same two-week window. Emphasizing that possession of weapons under invalid or expired licenses poses a significant threat to public order, the administration warned that failure to comply will result in strict legal action under Section 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, including the permanent cancellation of licenses, seizure of weapons, and criminal prosecution.