In a significant move aimed at protecting indigenous communities, the Assam government has announced it will begin issuing firearm licenses to original inhabitants living in vulnerable and remote border areas by February 2026.
Selective Licensing Process Underway
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that authorities have received numerous applications from indigenous people seeking firearm licenses, which are currently undergoing thorough scrutiny. The government will adopt a very selective approach in granting permissions, ensuring that not every applicant will receive approval.
"We have received a lot of applications for firearm licences. We are scrutinising the applications currently," Sarma stated during a press conference following a cabinet meeting. He emphasized that licenses will be issued very selectively, with careful consideration given to each application.
Protecting Indigenous Communities in Border Areas
The initiative follows the Assam Cabinet's decision in May to introduce a special scheme specifically designed for original inhabitants and indigenous citizens living in vulnerable regions, particularly those near the Bangladesh border. The Chief Minister explained that districts including Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, South Salmara-Mankachar and Goalpara require special security measures.
"In districts where Bangladesh-origin Muslims are in a majority, indigenous people are in a minority and constantly face insecurity, especially in the wake of recent developments in Bangladesh," Sarma noted. These indigenous populations can become victims of attacks from Bangladesh or from within their own villages, making the firearm licensing scheme crucial for their protection.
Political Significance and Historical Context
The announcement carries substantial political weight as it comes just ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for March-April next year. The decision aligns with the BJP's long-standing commitment to protect what Sarma described as 'jati, mati aru bheti' - the identity, land, and homeland of Assam's indigenous people.
Sarma highlighted that this security demand has existed since 1985 but had never been properly addressed by previous governments. The government will show leniency in granting licenses to eligible candidates who must be original inhabitants belonging to indigenous communities residing in vulnerable and remote areas of the state.
The first batch of licenses under this protective scheme is set to be distributed by February 2026, marking a significant step in the state's efforts to ensure the safety and security of its indigenous populations in sensitive border regions.
