Illegal Weapons in Umarthi to Be Uprooted: SP Holds Police Chaupal, Advises Sikligar Community to Leave Notorious Trade and Join Mainstream

Barwani, Madhya Pradesh: Senior Police Superintendent Jagdish Dabar of Barwani district held a police chaupal in the village of Umarthi, notorious for illegal weapons manufacturing, to address the community directly and urge them to abandon unlawful activities. The Sikligar community, traditionally associated with local weapons craftsmanship, was warned that illegal weapon production is not only a crime but also poisonous for children’s futures.

Direct Dialogue with the Sikligar Community

During the session, SSP Dabar spoke specifically to the key elders of the Sikligar society, stressing the severe consequences of involvement in illegal weapons production and sales. He offered a strict but sensitive advisory, highlighting the threat these activities pose to individual futures, social reputation, and the welfare of children.

Encouraging Mainstream Livelihoods

Dabar encouraged villagers to adopt honest labor, skill-based professions, and alternative livelihoods to lead a respectable life within the mainstream economy. Women in the village were also urged to fearlessly report any involvement in illegal arms production or trafficking to the police.

Community Groups to Aid Awareness

Two separate groups were formed—elders and youth—to strengthen community guidance. Elders will advise young people on adopting a better lifestyle, while the youth will be responsible for reporting individuals involved in illegal activities to the police. The program was attended by SDOP Sendhwa Ajay Waghmare, Varla police station staff, the village head, and senior members of the Sikligar community. The community acknowledged that while a few individuals continue illicit work, the reputation of the entire society suffers, and they are working to educate the next generation away from such practices.

Umarthi: A Longstanding Hub of Illegal Weapons

The village of Umarthi has long been notorious for illegal weapon production. Historically, certain groups have manufactured indigenous arms for distribution across the country. Over the past few years, Barwani police have conducted several major operations against illegal weapons in and around Umarthi. SSP Dabar noted that in the last three years, the police have registered 45 cases, arrested 40 accused, and seized over 400 illegal weapons.

Through this initiative, the police aim to eradicate illegal weapons manufacturing from Umarthi while integrating the community into lawful and productive societal channels.