Assam Chief Minister Announces Local Arms Licensing for Sensitive Areas

Local Arms Licensing Decision in Assam

On Friday, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, stated that the decision to issue weapon licenses to residents in 'sensitive' areas was made after careful consideration, emphasizing that ensuring safety is a responsibility of the state government.

During a press conference, the Chief Minister highlighted that the Constitution grants these individuals the right to life and the right to possess arms under certain regulations.

He remarked, 'It is the duty of the state government to provide security to local residents, which is why we have decided to issue arms licenses in sensitive areas along the international border.'

The state cabinet reached this decision on Wednesday after reviewing the 'demand' from people living in these regions.

Sarma noted that Assamese residents in some areas feel insecure and have long been requesting the issuance of arms licenses.

In response to criticism from opposition parties regarding this move, Sarma mentioned that the Congress and certain individuals have consistently opposed government decisions, thus, 'we cannot take it seriously.'

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) have criticized the state government's decision to liberalize its arms licensing policy.