Guwahati, Aug 11: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that arms licences for indigenous people will be issued only after a thorough and proper evaluation.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma emphasized that while firearms are necessary for the safety of people living in sensitive and remote areas, licences will be granted only following strict verification.

He pointed out the security challenges in regions like South Salmara-Mankachar and Bagbar, stating, “Without guns, how can people live safely there? A visit to these areas will make the need clear.”

The state cabinet’s decision on May 28 aims to provide arms licences to indigenous residents in districts such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar to strengthen their protection.

Regarding eviction drives in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Sarma clarified that no eviction will take place until rightful indigenous residents receive their land ownership documents under the Mission Basundhara scheme.

He added that eviction in the BTR will be carried out only after the issuance of ‘patta’ (land ownership documents) to eligible indigenous people.