Guwahati, May 28: The Assam government has taken a significant decision to grant arms licenses to indigenous people living in remote and border areas to tackle unlawful threats from hostile quarters. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, CM Sarma said, the move aims to empower indigenous communities to defend themselves against perceived threats, particularly in areas with a significant influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. He clarified that individuals will need to purchase their own weapons, and the government will only grant the license.

Himanta Biswa Sarma added, “we will encourage our original inhabitants and indigenous Indian citizens to apply and take arms licence as per the eligibility criteria provided in the Indian Arms Act.”

In a post on X, the CM said that arms licences will be granted to to tackle unlawful threats from hostile quarters.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of this measure in safeguarding the “Jati, Mati, Bheti” (community, land, and house) of Assam’s indigenous people. He assured that the move would be carefully monitored to ensure it serves its intended purpose without escalating tensions. This decision has been a long-standing demand from people in border areas.