Assam's New Portal: Empowering Indigenous Communities with Arms Licenses

The Assam government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, is poised to introduce a new online portal specifically designed for indigenous residents of sensitive areas, enabling them to apply for arms licenses. This initiative seeks to heighten the safety of vulnerable communities, offering them the means to defend themselves if necessary.

In an online post, Chief Minister Sarma announced that this portal will allow indigenous individuals, who feel threatened and reside in potentially hazardous zones, to apply for an arms license. The granting of such licenses will follow a comprehensive scrutiny and a multi-layered approval process. The primary aim is to bolster the security of indigenous communities who face threats due to ethnic or communal tensions and demographic shifts that have historically endangered the native populace.

The state has already undertaken extensive eviction operations against illegal settlers, reclaiming over 1.29 lakh bighas of government and forest land. By enabling communities to self-defend, the government aspires to sustain peace and order. The rigorous process to obtain a license involves security evaluation, law compliance checks, and frequent oversight to ensure appropriate use.

(With inputs from agencies.)