CNI News

16 Feb 2023

Issuing gun and ammunition licenses is very dangerous for the public, Myanmar Political Observer Dr Hla Kyaw Zaw told the CNI.

The move is aimed at officially arming militias under the SAC, she added.

She told the CNI,"They want to officially arm their militias and criminals and to threaten the public. It is very bad and dangerous for the public. They do not think about the public and it is a move that shows they will do everything to protect their power."

The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue gun licenses and permits in accordance with laws and rules and regulations.

The new gun license law

Applicants to carry guns are required to be local to the government and individuals who need to carry guns for security reasons.

Such laws should be enacted for self-defence and there were such laws enacted in Myanmar in the past, Political Observer Dr Aung Myo told the CNI.

He told the CNI, "Under the previous law, no one was permitted to carry any weapons including short knives for self-defence. Now, the new law permits us to carry guns for self-defence. If we do not have any weapons to protect ourselves, unscrupulous persons can attack us.

The body of Pakokku township education officer after being assassinated on 5th April, 2022

When we have guns, they will not be able to kill us at will. So, I welcome the law. It is not new and people were permitted to carry guns before 1988."

He added that the new law will strengthen the rule of law and the public will be able to protect themselves.

Armed conflicts have raged in Myanmar and destruction of houses and buildings, shooting and assassinations have taken place on a daily basis.