News Brief
Assam To Offer Arms Licences To Indigenous People In 'Vulnerable' Areas To Enhance Security
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (File Photo)
The Assam government has decided to grant arms licences to indigenous people residing in "vulnerable and remote" areas of the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the move on Wednesday (28 May), stating it is aimed at instilling a sense of security among local populations who have long expressed concerns about their safety, PTI reported.
“Assam is a very different and sensitive state. Assamese people living in some areas have been feeling insecure and they have been demanding arms licences for a long time,” said Sarma during a press conference following a cabinet meeting.
The chief minister highlighted growing apprehensions among indigenous communities, particularly in light of recent developments in neighbouring Bangladesh and the state’s intensified actions against suspected foreigners. He noted that these developments have heightened fears of possible attacks in several regions.
“The government will be lenient in giving licences to eligible people, who have to be original inhabitants and must belong to the indigenous community living in vulnerable and remote areas of the state. It will give additional courage to them,” Sarma said.
“Our people are minority in these places. The scheme will be applicable throughout the state,” he added, noting that even applicants from localities such as Hatigaon in Guwahati could be considered.
Sarma claimed that such demands have persisted since the Assam Agitation (1979–85) and argued that earlier approval of these licences might have prevented land dispossession.
“Had previous governments given them arms licences, many people would not have to sell their lands and leave the places,” he said.
“This scheme will act as a deterrent to unlawful threats and enhance the personal security and confidence of such individuals and communities,” the chief minister concluded.
