New Delhi: An official of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Varanasi announced recently that along with kung fu training, “licensed” swords, knives and sticks will be distributed for free, The Hindu has reported.
The newspaper reported that the training is being provided at Varanasi’s Bal Upasana Kendra, near Lohiyanagar, in Sarnath area.
In a Facebook post, which has been deleted, Sanjay Hindu Sinha, who claims to be the VHP’s Kashi Mahanagar joint-general secretary, had said:
“Free of cost training of lathi (sticks) for 15-days, knives for one month, swords for one month and kung fu for three months, after which licence of swords with sticks and knives will be given for free. Training place is Bal Upasana Kendra located in Lohia Nagar, Ashapur. Limited seats, register today, membership fee, Rs 100.”
According to Dainik Bhaskar, the post was shared on Saturday, December 3. It was shared multiple times on social media.
According to Hindu, the Varanasi police is likely to initiate an inquiry into the matter.
VHP’s Kashi metropolitan president Kanhaiya Singh told Dainik Bhaskar that Sinha made this announcement in his personal capacity, and the organisation or any workers have nothing to do with it.
Swords and blades over nine inches in length and which are not kitchen appliances require a licence under the Arms Act.
Under the Arms Act, carrying weapons without a licence is punishable with a jail term and a fine.
Under Rule 8 of the Arms Act Rules, 2016, a person holding a licence for firearms or any other arms, which includes swords and blades with sharp edges, is barred from “resorting to the brandishing of firearms in a public place nor shall he carry or discharge a firearm in a built-up area or any public place on the occasion of marriage, public assembly, fair, procession or any public event.”
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