Guwahati : A political row has erupted in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scheme granting arms licenses to indigenous residents in vulnerable and remote areas.

The initiative, announced on August 14 and accessible through the Sewa Setu portal, follows a May 18 cabinet decision under the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016. Applicants must prove indigenous status and genuine security threats. Approvals will follow detailed police verification, intelligence checks, and SSP recommendations.

Sarma defended the scheme as a step to enhance safety and empower communities who often act as “first responders” in crisis situations. He emphasized safeguards against misuse.

However, opposition voices, particularly the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), condemned the move. AJP general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan accused the Chief Minister of “inciting unrest” and warned that arming civilians could destabilize Assam, drawing parallels with Manipur’s ethnic conflict.

The AJP argued that the government should focus on implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which provides constitutional safeguards for Assamese identity, instead of encouraging civilian armament. The party plans to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the scheme a “dangerous provocation” and evidence of governance failure.

While the state government insists the measure addresses genuine security needs, the debate continues over whether it ensures protection or risks deepening instability.

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