Kerala police to train people who own guns or apply for licences

Training will be imparted at police training colleges and regular classes will start from next month. Before enrolling, candidates will have to furnish details and specify reasons for taking the training.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police personnel are planning to impart training on handling of firearms to those who have gun licences or have applied for a new licence. A first of its kind initiative, the move comes in the backdrop of a recent decision by the government to give permission to shoot crop-invading wild boars to local bodies.

Kerala police personnel will start training sessions on handling of firearms for those who own guns or have applied for licences. (AP FILE PHOTO.)

After the new order to empower local agencies sufaced, many complained about shortage of trained shooters and said they were forced to seek the support of the police. A couple of incidents dealing with accidental firing were also reported.

There are courses of different duration.The longest is the three-month intensive coaching, the fee for which will be ₹25,000, said a circular of the state police. Training will be imparted at police training colleges and regular classes will start from next month. Before enrolling, candidates will have to furnish details and specify reasons for taking the training.

A circular issued by Kerala director general of police Anil Kant said police verification is necessary for a candidate to ensure that there are no criminal cases pending against him/her. The applicant should also furnish a medical certificate to prove mental health and physical fitness. Those who successfully complete the training will be given certificates.

Earlier there were many rifle clubs but their numbers dwindled in the state. Last month, the government had given permission to local body heads to take a decision on killing wild boars that are harmful to humans.