Assam to Launch Portal for Arms Licences in Sensitive Areas

Guwahati, Aug 6 (PTI) – The Assam government is in the process of launching a dedicated portal that will enable indigenous residents living in "sensitive areas" to apply for arms licences, announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday. This measure aims to cater to those who feel threatened and require personal security.

The Chief Minister stated that the armament licences will be issued following a thorough and multi-layered scrutiny process. Sarma shared this development on X, providing detailed guidelines regarding eligibility criteria and the application process.

The portal is designed for individuals who are "original inhabitants or Indigenous Indian citizens of Assam" and who face genuine threats to their life and safety due to the vulnerability of their residential areas. Individuals living in high-risk or secluded areas, as acknowledged by the district administration or evaluated by authorized security agencies, are also eligible to apply.

The licence granting process involves a comprehensive security assessment, verification, and diligent vetting. There will be strict adherence to existing laws, and licences will be non-transferable, with regular reviews and consistent monitoring and reporting.

This initiative is a follow-up to the May 28 state cabinet decision to provide arms licences to indigenous people residing in "vulnerable and remote" areas to foster a sense of security. According to the Chief Minister, these areas include regions like Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, South Salmara-Mankachar, Rupahi, Dhing, and Jania, which have considerable Muslim populations.

Sarma noted that people living in these areas have been requesting arms licences for safety reasons since the Assam Agitation period between 1979 and 1985. He emphasized that Assamese people will not thrive merely through agitation but by adopting pragmatic measures.

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