Assam Chief Minister Defends Arms Licences for Indigenous Residents
Government's Justification for Arms Licences
Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has stood by his administration's choice to grant arms licences to “indigenous Indian people.” He emphasized that “practical measures” are essential to achieve the objectives he has outlined.
When questioned about the potential for the situation in Assam to become “explosive” due to this decision, Sarma remarked, “I want the situation in Assam to be explosive. How will our people endure if there is an explosion?”
On May 28, he revealed that the state would issue arms licences to “original inhabitants” residing in “vulnerable remote areas.”
Sarma stated that this decision followed a review of the concerns expressed by residents who felt insecure. Districts such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar would see a more lenient approach to granting licences, according to him.
In these regions, Bengali-speaking Muslims constitute the majority, with Dhubri and South Salmara-Mankachar sharing borders with Bangladesh.
On Thursday, the BJP leader asserted that the Assamese populace would “survive when there will be licensed arms.” He also mentioned that if the party retains power in the upcoming Assembly elections, the government would implement “more practical measures.”
This announcement came shortly after Sarma revealed that residents could apply online for arms licences starting in August, as reported by The Assam Tribune.
During the May announcement, the chief minister clarified that applicants must have no criminal history and must undergo a thorough police verification process. The final decision would rest with the deputy commissioner in accordance with the Indian Arms Act.
Sarma also specified that this policy would not extend to areas adjacent to Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
The four northeastern states have longstanding border disputes with Assam, which have led to over 200 fatalities in the past fifty years.
The chief minister noted that the demand for arms licences has been present since the Assam Movement, initiated in 1979 to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.
“Had we taken this step during the Assam agitation, perhaps many people would not have sold their land and left their homes,” Sarma reflected.
However, Harekrishna Deka, the former director general of police in Assam, criticized the government's decision, suggesting that authorities should focus on maintaining security in response to any security concerns.