Assam Approves Arms Licences for Indigenous Residents in Minority-Dominated, Vulnerable Areas

 GUWAHATI – In a significant policy decision, the Assam government on Wednesday approved the issuance of arms licences to indigenous residents living in minority-dominated and vulnerable regions of the state, citing long-standing concerns over personal security.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a Cabinet meeting that gave formal approval to the new scheme. “Today, the state cabinet has decided to give arms licence to original inhabitants and indigenous Indian citizens in vulnerable areas of the state. The state cabinet has approved a new scheme,” Sarma told reporters at a press briefing.

The #AssamCabinet has today taken a very important decision to protect the interests of our Jati, Mati, Bheti.

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

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 28, 2025

Describing the state as “very different and sensitive,” Sarma explained the rationale behind the move. “Assamese people living in some areas have been feeling insecure and they have been demanding arms licences for a long time,” he said.

The Chief Minister clarified that the policy would adopt a more lenient approach toward granting licences to eligible applicants, specifically those from indigenous communities residing in remote and sensitive districts. Sarma identified Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar as key regions where the policy will be implemented. “Our people are in the minority in these places,” he noted.

Sharing the development on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sarma emphasized that the initiative aims to safeguard the identity and security of the indigenous population. “The #AssamCabinet has today taken a very important decision to protect the interests of our Jati, Mati, Bheti. Arms Licenses will be granted to Original Inhabitants and indigenous Indian people living in vulnerable areas to tackle unlawful threats from hostile quarters,” he posted.

Under the newly approved scheme, arms licences will be issued only to applicants who meet specified eligibility criteria, including the absence of a criminal background. The initiative specifically targets indigenous individuals facing persistent threats in sensitive and under-protected areas.

Government officials indicated that the measure is designed not only to address security concerns but also to reinforce the cultural and territorial integrity of Assam’s indigenous population.