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FROM
CUBA
Authorities collect all firearms in central
Cuban province
SANTA CLARA, July 18 (Cubanacán
Press / www.cubanet.org) - This week authorities
in Villa Clara province, central Cuba, began
collecting all firearms in the province.
The measure is thought to be related to
the celebration of the upcoming anniversary
of the Revolution July 26, for which the
capital city of Santa Clara has been designated
as the principal site.
"This is not the first time they pick
up all firearms," said a local resident
who asked not to be named, "every time
a member of the Political Bureau or the
Council of State is coming this way, the
same thing happens."
The collected firearms, including shotguns,
pistols, revolvers, no matter how small,
are being stored in the 3rd police unit
in the city. The measure applies to all
those licensed to bear arms, such as guards,
officials who need them in their official
capacity, hunters, or retired armed forces
personnel, no matter how high their rank.
In Cuba, it would be extremely rare for
anyone outside this group to have a firearm,
so the collection effectively encompasses
all firearms in the province.
Although troops in parades and military
reviews sport their regulation rifles, the
individuals participating have invariably
been thoroughly searched beforehand for
ammunition. Thus authorities insure that
no Anwar Sadat-like incidents take place
during parades or celebrations.
The firearms collected in Villa Clara will
remain sequestered until the end of the
month.
Residents maintain some forms of delinquency
increase during periods such as these, especially
cattle theft. All those who watch over cattle
have been instructed to use machetes, sticks
and stones when on duty.
Versión
original en español
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