20,000 arms surrendered, 32 seized in Assam

More than 20,000 licensed arms have been surrendered to the authorities while police have seized 32 illegal arms across Assam since the model code of conduct took effect on March 10, Director General of Police Kula Saikia said on Monday.

"There are over 25,000 licensed arms in the state. Police are on the job to close the rest of the licensed arms before the elections," Saikia said.

The police have also executed over 6,000 non-bailable warrants (NBWs) so far and about 1,400 more are yet to be executed, he said.

Saikia said 90 companies of security forces would ensure free and fair polls in the state.

"We have received 33 companies of additional forces and their deployment has already been done to ensure everyone can vote without fear," he said.

The security forces which were being used for work related to National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be withdrawn due to the elections, he added.

Assam will have three-phase polls on April 11, 18 and 23.

--IANS

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