Dimapur, September 10 (MExN): The Dimapur Urban Chairman Federation (DUCCF) has raised serious concerns over what it termed the “unsanctioned and dangerous discharge” of air rifles and pellet guns within urban residential neighbourhoods.
The trend poses an increasing threat to public safety, private property and peaceful co-existence, it noted, endorsing similar concerns shared by other local community leaders and residents.
The concern follows a recent incident in a locality where a pellet from an air rifle shattered a residential windowpane. No injuries were reported, but the pellet struck near an occupied living space, according to the DUCCF.
The federation said that while air rifles and air pistols are commonly used for recreational target shooting or pest control, their discharge in densely populated residential areas can pose risks, including eye injuries, physical harm to bystanders and damage to property.
“Urban residential zones are not target ranges,” the DUCCF stated, urging residents to refrain from discharging projectile weapons in or near residential areas, particularly around homes, children and vehicles.
Such actions are irresponsible and dangerous and must be addressed before an avoidable discharge results in serious injury, it added.
The DUCCF urged local municipal authorities, colony councils and residents to strengthen vigilance and take measures to prevent random firing in public and residential spaces. It said neighbourhood councils were increasing community monitoring and would report incidents involving air guns, air rifles or firearm-like weapons.
The federation also called on the authorities to review gun licences and the use of air weapons, while colony councils were urged to liaise with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with existing arms regulations and clarify restrictions applicable to high-powered air weapons.
Residents were urged to report unauthorised shooting, stray pellets or the brandishing of air weapons to local authorities or law enforcement agencies.
The DUCCF said local council representatives would meet with law enforcement officials in the coming days to discuss reporting channels and enforcement protocols concerning the misuse of air weapons in residential areas.
The federation said the initiative was aimed at strengthening public safety and maintaining secure and liveable neighbourhoods in Dimapur.
