The chief minister linked the decision to growing fears tied to the government’s ongoing efforts to deport illegal Bangladeshi nationals
NEW DELHI – The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new scheme to empower indigenous citizens living in vulnerable and remote areas near the Bangladesh border by allowing them to obtain arms licences, citing security concerns. This decision aims to help locals protect themselves from potential threats within their villages and across the border.
After the Cabinet decision, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the government “will encourage” the indigenous citizens to apply and take arms licences.
While listing examples of such “vulnerable areas,” Sarma named districts such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Nagaon, Barpeta and South Salmara. Bengali-origin Muslims account for the majority in these areas.
Sarma said that the move reflects the BJP government’s commitment to protecting “jati, mati aur bheti” — the identity, land, and home of Assam’s indigenous people.
“This has been a demand since 1985, but no government has dared to take this decision. Had we taken this decision then, the indigenous people would not have sold their land in these areas and left,” he said.
Sarma cited Baghbar in the Barpeta district. “I know the situation in Baghbar-Jania. In some villages, only about 500 indigenous families live. There are none elsewhere. If someone from these families wants to buy a gun for their own protection and seeks a license, we will liberally grant them the arms license so that they can ensure their safety,” he explained.
The scheme will simplify the process for eligible indigenous people in marked vulnerable zones to get licences. Areas such as parts of Guwahati, including Hatigaon, may also be covered.
Sarma also linked the decision to growing fears tied to the government’s ongoing efforts to deport illegal Bangladeshi nationals, which have raised tensions along the border and in mixed-population areas.
“This decision will help stop illegal threats and give the indigenous people more confidence and security,” the government said in a statement.
