KARACHI Greater penalty for possessing illegal arms KARACHI, April 30: Those who will be found in possession of illegal weapons, or engaged in their sale and transaction, will be awarded harsh and exemplary punishment not stipulated in the existing laws, sources said. The de-weaponisation plan, envisaging a media campaign, a 15-day amnesty and the actual crackdown on illicit weapons, will be launched across the province in the first week of May, the sources added. The home and law departments have finalised a draft of proposed legislation for these offences. The document is to be presented to the Chief Executive by end-May. The newly created Rapid force will work alongside the paramilitary Rangers, army and other security agencies, in the de-weaponisation operation. The proposed laws stipulate punishments up to life term with a heavy fine for those found possessing illegal weapons. The sources said the administration has decided to clamp curfew in areas targeted for the recovery of arms on a mass scale. The newly introduced rapid force of motorcycle riders would work in aid of the army and law-enforcement agencies. The authorities have received authentic reports that a sizable number of illegal immigrants are also involved in this illicit business and they will be among those to be netted during the crackdown. The authorities have not yet found any conclusive or incriminating evidence establishing the involvement of any political, ethnic, sectarian or religious group in the terrorist activities, either carrying them out under instructions of or in collaboration with the foreign forces. But, the sources added, hints of foreign forces being involved in these acts have been gathered during interrogation of some people arrested for allegedly setting afire vehicles and carrying out a bomb blast. The sources said that an early launch of the de-weaponising campaign was necessitated by the widespread protests on water shortage issue culminating in a violent strike in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, a couple of weeks ago. The government plans aimed at attracting foreign investment were seriously affected as a result, senior officials said. The government has taken the violent strike as a blow to its efforts, which had brought Karachi back on track of normalcy and provided it the confidence to organise even an exhibition on defence weaponry here. Because of this, the sources said, the government has over-reacted to the May Day rally calls and has arrested hundreds of ARD workers and leaders under what it calls "preventive measures". By Sarfaraz Ahmed  Dawn 1 May 2001