Plan to speed up checks on gun licences
Security officials may speed up examining gun licence applications by the 500-plus PLA troops to ensure they have permits before entering the territory at Lok Ma Chau at 9 pm on Monday.
A government source said they would need to go through the same procedure to apply for exemption permits, and import and transport licences for their 464 weapons even though they would only be in Hong Kong three hours before the handover.
Applications usually take a few days, but the source said they could speed up examinations.
The source said the 509 soldiers would not be armed when they crossed the border as it had been agreed by the Joint Liaison Group that all the weapons would be packed in lorries.
The arms will include rifles and pistols. It has been agreed that no heavy weaponry should be brought into the territory yet.
Asked if Customs officers would make a count to ensure only 464 weapons were brought into the territory, the source said: 'Whether there will be checks would depend on circumstances.' Customs officers might conduct inspections if they found any of the PLA soldiers looked suspicious or they had a tip-off that smuggled items were being carried.
He said the Government would help with the arrival of the troops, and ensure they received licences for their weapons and the 39 vehicles in advance.
