Manama: Kuwaitis are urging the authorities to take action on the open sale of firearms by unlicensed sellers at a weekly flea market in Kuwait.
Despite laws imposing strict restrictions on gun ownership in Kuwait, young people can get hold of a handgun or a hunting rifle for as little as KD30 (Dh387.91) Al Qabas daily reports.
The guns are mainly hunting rifles that can be obtained only with a licence, but several Arab and Asian traders have been selling them, as well as other firearms, in Suq Al Juma, the Friday Market, without concern for the illegal aspect of their trade.
"There is a need for the interior ministry and municipality officials to take action against the sale of weapons, no matter how light they are," Ali Al Saleh, a Kuwaiti citizen at the weekly market, which sells second-hand furniture, videos, electronics, rugs, garments, antiques and livestock, amongst other things.
"The cheap prices are a strong temptation for teenagers and the proliferation [of guns] among them is a sure cause for a higher crime rate," he was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
Jamal Al Abdullah says that closer monitoring is needed and proper licensing required.
"The problem is that they're available and cheap to buy, especially during school holidays when people tend to go camping," he said, referring to the tendency among young people to use them during their free time.
Khalaf Al Mutairi, however, believes that the safety of Kuwaitis should be a priority.
"The availability of these weapons is alarming. Action is needed to protect society regardless of the way the Asians sellers [avoid answering] when asked about the origin of the weapons," he said.
Abu Salem defends the sale of the weapons. "These weapons are of a light type, such as daggers, knives and rifles, and are used for hunting. The majority of my customers are older people who ask very specific questions before making a decision," he said.
Kumar, an expatriate, says he sells light weapons on behalf of friends or his business partner.
"Most of my customers are young people and teenagers. Firearms attract older people and their prices vary according to their characteristics," he said.
