Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Assam CM Defends Arms Licenses for 'Indigenous Citizens'
The leader of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is letting some people in the state get licenses to own guns.
He says this is to help them feel safe in certain areas.
People who want a license must not have a criminal record and will be checked by the police.
This plan doesn't apply to areas near some neighboring states.
Some people, like a former police chief, think the government should focus on keeping everyone safe instead.
The government believes that providing arms will help local people survive and defend themselves.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma defends issuing arms licenses to 'indigenous citizens'.
The government plans to grant licenses to residents in 'vulnerable remote areas'.
Sarma stated licenses would be given to those with no criminal record after police verification.
The policy excludes areas bordering Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Former DGP Harekrishna Deka criticized the decision, suggesting authorities maintain security.
- Who
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and 'original inhabitants' of Assam.
- What
- Assam government will issue arms licenses to 'indigenous citizens'.
- When
- Announced on May 28, with online applications starting August.
- Where
- Assam, with focus on vulnerable, remote areas, excluding borders with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
- Why
- To address security concerns of residents in vulnerable areas.
Critics' View
Government's Stance
Security Measures
Critics' View
Authorities should maintain security instead of arming residents.
Government's Stance
The government aims to provide licenses to ensure the survival of indigenous people
- Initiative
- Issuing Arms Licenses
- Announced by
- Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam CM
- Eligibility
- No criminal record, pass police verification
- Exclusions
- Border areas with specific NE states
- Criticism
- Harekrishna Deka, former DGP
- Target areas
- Vulnerable, remote areas in Assam