Assam Approves Arms Licence Scheme for Indigenous People

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Move Targets ‘Vulnerable’ Districts Near Bangladesh Border; Seen as Pre-Poll Strategy Amid Immigration Concerns

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, May 28, 2025 – The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday approved a special scheme to issue arms licences to indigenous people residing in areas bordering Bangladesh. The decision has stirred political debate, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expected to frame the move as part of his strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections, focusing on concerns over illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

The scheme is intended to allow indigenous residents in vulnerable and remote areas to acquire arms licences for self-defence. Specifically, it will apply to people living in districts adjacent to the Bangladesh border.

Announcing the decision in Guwahati after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Sarma said the state Cabinet had approved a scheme “for the grant of arms licences to original inhabitants and Indian indigenous citizens in vulnerable and remote areas of Assam.”

The scheme will cover beneficiaries in districts such as Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, South Salmara, and Goalpara. Sarma clarified that district authorities would hold the discretion to issue licences to eligible individuals.

The Chief Minister argued that the decision responds to a longstanding demand from residents of these districts, who “live in a constant state of insecurity.” He cited ongoing violence in Bangladesh as one of the reasons behind the Cabinet’s move. India has officially raised the issue of attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh with the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

Sarma said indigenous people in Assam face threats both from across the border and within their own villages. “In this backdrop, the Cabinet approved the proposal to grant arms licences to the indigenous people in such vulnerable areas,” he stated.

He also emphasized the state’s continuing efforts to “detect and deport illegal Bangladeshis,” adding that in several of the affected districts, indigenous populations are now in the minority.

The Chief Minister clarified that the state government will not purchase arms under the scheme but will merely issue licences to eligible beneficiaries.

Sarma also pointed out that the demand for arms licences has existed since the Assam Agitation (1979–85) against illegal immigration. He accused previous Congress governments of failing to address the concerns of indigenous people living in border areas.

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