The Small Arm

Small but dangerous

The fact that small arms are reported to be increasingly in circulation is worrying. Small arms are found in plenty across the border. This is how criminal groups are able to purchase them. Although their immediate targets had been political persons and government officials, in recent days, they’ve shifted their attention to small businessmen and common citizens.

Party leaders generally try to suppress reports or investigations into crimes committed by their affiliates, hampering resolution. Weak implementation of law and political protection have resulted in the breeding of criminal activities in the country. People think these will come handy in protecting themselves. But there’s always the risk of them being used carelessly during quarrels. The easy availability of small arms have also led to reports of these coming into the possession of members of the general public, under the pretext of self-defense. It’s only if NGOs, INGOs, political parties, local leaders and other community elements all work together in creating awareness about the risks of using small arms, that a climate to resolve the predicament can be created.