Himanata Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, today announced that the government will grant arms licenses to original inhabitants and indigenous Indian people. The steps are for people living in vulnerable areas to tackle unlawful threats from hostile quarters.
Protection for the needful
He further highlighted that the decision by the Assam cabinet is to protect the interests of the Jati, Mati, and Bheti tribes.
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
Addressing a press conference, Sarma explained that the state cabinet approved the measure after reviewing requests from residents in sensitive areas. “Assam is a very different and sensitive state. Assamese people living in some areas have been feeling insecure and they have been demanding arms licences for a long time,” he said.
Smooth process for granting licenses
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government would adopt a lenient approach in granting licenses to eligible individuals, provided they are original inhabitants belonging to indigenous communities in these specific, vulnerable and remote areas.
Sarma identified several districts where this policy would be particularly applicable, including Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar. He noted that in these areas, “Our people are the minority.”
The decision underscores the state’s efforts to address security concerns and foster a sense of safety among its indigenous population in areas where they may feel marginalised or threatened.
(With PTI Inputs)