Authorities in the Indian state of Punjab Sunday issued a restrictive order on gun ownership. The order introduces a three-month pause on new gun registration, a complete ban on the public display of weapons and a ban on songs that glorify weapons and violence. The order also applies to the display of weapons at on social media and at public gatherings, religious places, wedding ceremonies and other events. The hasty or careless use of firearms, or firing for celebration, so as to endanger human life or personal safety of others, shall be a punishable offense.

The order follows a series of high-profile murders within the state, such as the murder of Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri on November 4 and Pardeep Singh on November 10. Both victims were under police protection at the time of their deaths. The killing of international kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambian in March, and the brutal murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala in May, also sparked outrage.

In response to this rise in gun related violence, the order also states that no new arms licenses will be issued over the next three months. Such licenses should also only be issued if the concerned official is satisfied, at a personal level, that it is necessary. The order also states that, within three months, there should be a review of arms licenses which had previously been issued, to ensure that they have been issued to the correct license holder. If any licenses are found to be held by an unauthorized individual, it will be cancelled immediately.

In the coming days, surprise checks will also be conducted throughout the region to ensure compliance with the new order.