Assam to launch arms licence portal for indigenous people in sensitive areas: CM Sarma cites longstanding security concerns

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced the launch of a dedicated portal through which eligible indigenous citizens residing in “sensitive areas” can apply for arms licences.

The initiative, according to the Chief Minister, is rooted in longstanding demands dating back to the Assam Agitation era (1979–1985), when many indigenous groups first raised concerns about demographic changes and safety in regions experiencing socio-political tension and influxes of migration.

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Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, Sarma said, “A dedicated portal is coming up where indigenous people, who perceive a threat to their lives and reside in sensitive areas, can apply for arms licenses.” He also shared detailed eligibility guidelines and a multi-layered scrutiny process that applicants must undergo.

As per the guidelines, only “original inhabitants or Indigenous Indian citizens of Assam” who feel a genuine threat to their life and safety due to the vulnerability of their locality will be eligible. The policy specifically mentions residents of “vulnerable or remote areas,” as identified by the district administration or authorized security agencies.

The licensing process will involve security assessment, verification and vetting, compliance with existing arms regulations, a non-transferability clause, periodic review, and close monitoring.

The move comes following a Cabinet decision taken on May 28, which allowed the issuance of arms licences to indigenous people in remote and vulnerable areas as a confidence-building measure.

CM Sarma had earlier identified several such areas, including Dhubri, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon, South Salmara-Mankachar, Rupahi, Dhing, and Jania — regions known for their sizable Muslim populations and history of ethnic and demographic tensions.

Sarma emphasized that this is a “practical step” to empower indigenous communities to feel secure in their homeland. “We won’t survive merely through agitations,” he said, alluding to the past protest movements. “We need to take practical measures to protect our people.”

The arms portal is part of a broader policy framework by the Assam government, which has focused increasingly on security, border surveillance, and demographic regulation — often sparking political debate across party lines and communities.

The government is expected to make the portal live soon, with applications being processed in close coordination with law enforcement and administrative officials.