Assam Government to Issue Arms Licenses for Indigenous Residents in Vulnerable Areas
New Arms License Initiative in Assam
The Assam government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, has announced a new initiative to provide arms licenses to 'original inhabitants and indigenous Indian people' residing in 'vulnerable remote areas.' This decision was revealed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday.
According to the chief minister, the initiative aims to deter unlawful threats and bolster the personal security and confidence of these communities. He highlighted this measure as part of the Cabinet's recent decisions.
The #AssamCabinet has today taken a very important decision to protect the interests of our Jati, Mati, Bheti.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 28, 2025
Arms Licenses will be granted to Original Inhabitants and indigenous Indian people living in vulnerable areas to tackle unlawful threats from hostile quarters. pic.twitter.com/a29M67uekV
The chief minister stated that the Cabinet's decision to issue arms licenses followed a review of requests from residents who expressed feelings of insecurity. Districts such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar will see a more lenient approach in granting licenses to qualified individuals.
This initiative is intended to empower residents to defend themselves amid rising concerns over cross-border infiltration and security threats, as noted by Sarma.
He emphasized that indigenous communities near the Bangladesh border often live in fear of violence and illegal immigration.
The demand for arms licenses has been present since the Assam Movement, which began in 1979 to identify and deport undocumented immigrants. Sarma criticized the previous administration for not addressing this issue.
He remarked, 'Had we taken this step during the Assam agitation, perhaps many people would not have sold their land and left their homes.'
To qualify for an arms license, residents must have no criminal history and must undergo a comprehensive police verification process. The final decision will rest with the deputy commissioner in accordance with the Indian Arms Act.