Despite receiving an arms licence by the Mumbai police, MRA is fighting against a ban imposed by the Centre on the import of firearms.
The Maharashtra Rifles Association (MRA) presents the irony of being one of the best sports institution in the country and also with perhaps the worst infrastructure.
Though its shooter Ronak Pandit won a silver medal at the standard pistol team event at Doha Asian Games recently, the MRA is struggling to keep its spirits alive. It is fighting against a ban imposed by the Centre on the import of firearms and making endless rounds of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) house downtown to redevelop its 70,000-square-foot shooting range along the Worli Seaface.
Despite receiving an arms licence by the Mumbai police, shooters are still unable to import firearms due to the ban, forcing many to use ammunition and rifles made by the Indian Ordinance Factory (IOF), majority of which are found to be substandard.
“We are forced to buy cartridges from Crawford Market for Rs12 each when we can an import for Rs3 each from Germany. Are you telling me that an import from Germany is a national threat while its availability in the city is not?” says an incredulous Raj Khalid, MRA’s honorary secretary.
The MRA had to recently intervene when Navnath Phartade, the son of a poor farmer who recently became world champion in the 10-metre air rifle shooting, was not allowed to bring his new air rifle by Indian authorities. “It was so sad to see a young champion humiliated in such a manner,” says Khalid.
The Centre’s ban has led to a booming cartel in imported firearms run by dealers and former IPS officers, who are minting money by charging exorbitant prices, making it impossible for many talented shooters to buy quality weapons.
“India is a signatory of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and under its Nationality Treatment Clause, we cannot restrict import of firearms when IOF is making and selling 22-calibre bore rifles, 12-calibre bore guns, 22-calibre and 32-calibre bore pistols and revolvers,” says Khalid. “Why are we preventing our players from buying world-class equipment?”
But the problems do not stop here. Due to the restriction of carrying just one unloaded firearm as checked baggage, players are forced to travel long-distance tournaments via road. A new rule also forces licence-bearers to authenticate their rifles with the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) every time they fly.
“Players travel over 15 times annually for tournaments,” says Ashok Pandit, Arjuna winner and MRA secretary general. “Isn’t it foolish to go to DGCA each time for clearance when there are International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules for the same globally? Looks like we are trying hard to ensure our shooters don’t become heroes.”
The 40-year-old institution is also struggling to get its Rs5.5-crore redevelopment plan cleared by the BMC. The plan proposes to build fully enclosed ranges with electronic lanes, cafeteria and gymnasium. Despite pressure from developers to set up a clubhouse, MRA is ensuring that the place remains a professional training ground for youngsters with an annual membership of Rs15,000.
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