Licensed firearms galore: Nepali authorities shoot in the dark

July 18, 2024

Even senior home ministry officials are unclear on the types of firearms—estimated to exceed 36,000 permits—their renewal status, and the purposes they serve.

Kathmandu: On March 18, a startling incident occurred at Nepal’s Supreme Court involving Durga Prasai, a medical college owner known for his opposition to the secular republican order. One of his personal security guards, armed with automatic weapons, was detained at the court’s entrance. The presence of such advanced weaponry in civilian hands has left security experts astounded. The incident also surprised the home administration, prompting an investigation into the weapon.
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated a comprehensive review of firearm licences issued to individuals across the country. The ministry’s findings reveal that over 36,000 firearms have been licensed for personal possession. However, only half of these permits are renewed annually.
Even senior officials within the Ministry of Home Affairs lack clarity on the types of firearms being licensed, their renewal status, the purposes they serve, and the permitted locations for carrying these licensed firearms. The “GSG-5” rifle carried by Prasai’s security guard is manufactured in Germany. This weapon was licensed by the Jhapa District Administration Office for use “throughout the country.” Although the licence was issued to Dipak Khadka, the firearm was found in the possession of Rajkumar Dhital, highlighting a significant misuse of licensed firearms.
Even senior officials within the home ministry lack clarity on the types of firearms being licensed, their renewal status, the purposes they serve, and the permitted locations for carrying these licensed firearms. The “GSG-5” rifle carried by Prasai’s security guard is manufactured in Germany. This weapon was licensed by the Jhapa District Administration Office for use “throughout the country.” Although the license was issued to Dipak Khadka, the firearm was found in the possession of Rajkumar Dhital, highlighting a significant misuse of licensed firearms.
Why do people need personal firearms?
In the current context, as former home secretary Govinda Kusum explains, firearms are no longer necessary for personal security. Unlike the autocratic Panchayat era, the present republican government ensures the security of its citizens. Kusum expresses astonishment at the licensing of automatic firearms.
“A thorough examination of the basis and reasons for granting permission is essential when the law does not permit it,” he asserts. “Automatic firearms pose a significantly greater risk to security, as they can potentially kill dozens at once. The risk is compounded with firearms capable of loading numerous bullets.” Kusum strongly believes that individuals should not be allowed to keep such firearms under any circumstances.
Former Inspector General of Police and security expert Anantaram Bhattarai concurs, stating that the security risk escalates when individuals possess more advanced firearms than state security personnel. He argues that widespread firearm ownership increases the likelihood of criminal activities. “The government needs to enhance scrutiny,” Bhattarai says, citing incidents where firearms were involved in crimes.
Kusum further notes that society is generally peaceful, with the armed conflict having ended long ago and little threat from wild animals. “So why keep firearms?” he questions. Kusum advocates for amending the Firearms and Ammunition Act.
Before granting permits for firearm possession, Kusum recommends thorough research into the applicant’s mental, physical, and social background. “Does the individual truly need a weapon? Is the person unlikely to misuse it? Such considerations are crucial,” he emphasises.
Former secretary Kusum contends that no individual should be allowed to own weapons based on personal connections with the chief district officer (CDO) or other officials. Emphasising that national security is a complex issue, Kusum states that having numerous individuals with private firearms complicates the maintenance of internal law and order.
Kusum highlights that allowing private ownership of weapons fosters social inequality, as armed individuals tend to threaten, intimidate, and demean ordinary citizens. He recalls the widespread misuse of such weapons during the conflict period, including incidents where guns were fired to capture booths during elections. “Owning weapons can cause unnecessary stress for individuals,” he notes.
Former AIG Bhattarai adds that private firearms could escalate crime. “There is no monitoring of individuals who own weapons, and that is necessary,” he says, arguing that even minor disputes could lead to the use of private firearms in moments of rage.
Former secretary Shyam Mainali argues that the system of permitting individuals to keep weapons is an international practice and legally sanctioned. However, he asserts that private firearm ownership impacts national security. Citing higher crime rates in countries that allow private firearm ownership, Mainali points to incidents like school shootings and other gun-related crimes in Europe. “Simply possessing a weapon does not make an individual feel secure,” he argues. “The entire society needs to be peaceful. The government should be serious about the issue of granting firearm permits and should allow such permissions only to those who truly need them.”
Moreover, firearms permitted for private ownership must be surrendered to the administration during elections, as instructed by the District Security Committee. However, compliance with this directive is often lacking.
How many permits have been issued nationwide?
According to Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane, the ministry has collected details of weapon permits issued across all 77 districts. Information Officer Ekdev Adhikari stated that due to security concerns, the exact number of licensed private firearms cannot be disclosed. In March, all district administration offices were instructed to submit details of licensed firearms. A ministry source revealed that over 36,000 individuals have obtained licences for private firearms, with less than half of these licences being renewed.
A home ministry official said there are more private firearms in Kathmandu Valley than in all other outer districts combined. While the government issues these licences, it does not adequately monitor them, leading to a significant number of licences not being renewed. Instances of individuals obtaining licences and subsequently selling them to others have also surfaced.
Minister Lamichhane said that the ministry would investigate instances of unauthorised delegation of firearm rights that exceed legal provisions. All collected data will be meticulously analysed, and firearms with long-expired licences will be confiscated, as confirmed by a ministry information officer.
Who can get permission to own a private firearm?
The Arms and Ammunition Act (2019 BS), enforced during King Mahendra’s reign, governs private firearm ownership. Despite numerous amendments, security experts argue that the act has not been updated to address contemporary security threats. The home ministry introduced relevant regulations only 13 years ago. These regulations allow for the ownership of pistols, revolvers, rifles, miniature rifles, shotguns, muzzleloading guns, and air guns. The licence specifies whether the firearm may be used ‘throughout the district’ or ‘throughout Nepal,’ with different fees for each category.
The authority to issue firearm licences rests with the chief district officer. Nepali citizens can legally possess firearms for personal security, with the granting of such permission being at the discretion of the respective CDO.
What is the fee for keeping a private firearm?
According to the regulations issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2078 BS, the fees payable to the government depend on the type of firearm. The fees also differ whether the firearm has been permitted to carry within the district or throughout Nepal.
According to the regulations, the fee for a permit to carry pistols, revolvers, miniature rifles, and other rifles within the district is 5,000 rupees, while the fee for a nationwide permit is set at Rs 6,000. The permit renewal fee for these firearms is Rs 3,000 within the district and 4,000 rupees for nationwide mandate.
Similarly, for shotguns or miniature rifles, the fee for a district-wide permit is 4,000 rupees while a nationwide permit costs Rs 5,000. The renewal fee for these firearms is 3,000 rupees for the district and 4,000 NPR for nationwide.
For muzzleloading guns, the fee for a permit to carry within the district and nationwide is Rs 3,000, with a renewal fee of 1,500 rupees for the district and Rs 2,000 for nationwide mandate. For air guns, the fee is Rs 2,000 for a district-wide permit and 2,500 rupees for a nationwide permit. The renewal fee for air guns is Rs 1,000 for the district and 1,500 rupees for country-wide use.

Responsibilities of firearm licence holders
According to an information officer at the ministry, while individuals may be granted permission to own firearms for personal security, they are prohibited from using or firing these weapons. “Only security agencies are authorised to use firearms,” he explains. “Even in urgent situations where it might seem necessary to use them, individuals must first obtain permission from the respective chief district officer.”
For transporting licensed firearms to a district other than the one where the permit was issued, individuals must obtain travel permission for each trip. “Regardless of whether the permit is for the district or the entire country, the law requires obtaining the CDO’s permission for every trip with a firearm,” the information officer states. Furthermore, if the licence holder exhibits suspicious behaviour, the government reserves the right to confiscate the firearm at any time.
Bhim Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the Nepal Police, emphasises that legal action will be taken if firearms are used without permission or misused in any manner. Citing the frequent involvement of private firearms in criminal activities, he cautions firearm owners against misuse.

Highlights:
Firearm fees
Pistols, Revolvers, Miniature Rifles, and Other Rifles:
District-wide permit: Rs 5,000
Nationwide permit: Rs 6,000
Renewal fee (district-wide): Rs 3,000
Renewal fee (nationwide): Rs 4,000
Shotguns or Miniature Rifles:
District-wide permit: Rs 4,000
Nationwide permit: Rs 5,000
Renewal fee (district-wide): Rs 3,000
Renewal fee (nationwide): Rs 4,000
Muzzleloading Guns:
District-wide and nationwide permit: Rs 3,000
Renewal fee (district-wide): Rs 1,500
Renewal fee (nationwide): Rs 2,000
Air Guns:
District-wide permit: Rs 2,000
Nationwide permit: Rs 2,500
Renewal fee (district-wide): Rs 1,000
Renewal fee (nationwide): Rs 1,500
(ChatGPT has been used in preparing this article, published by the Annapurna Post in Nepali on 31 March, 2024. https://www.annapurnapost.com/story/454809/)