Thu May 29 07:06:26 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the state’s new arms license policy, intended for “original inhabitants and indigenous communities” in vulnerable regions, will not apply to areas bordering Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The policy aims to address insecurity felt by indigenous communities in districts bordering Bangladesh. The decision has drawn criticism, with Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev questioning its intent, the definition of “indigenous,” and suggesting it undermines confidence in state security.
**News Article:**
**Assam CM Clarifies Arms License Policy, Excludes Inter-State Borders**
*Guwahati – May 29, 2025* – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today clarified that the state government’s recently approved arms license policy will not extend to Assam’s borders with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The policy, designed to provide arms licenses to “original inhabitants and indigenous communities” in vulnerable regions, aims to address perceived security concerns in specific districts bordering Bangladesh.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state views border disputes with neighboring states as issues best resolved through mutual understanding and peaceful negotiation. He stated that these regions are not considered vulnerable in the context of national security threats.
“Assam has always maintained that inter-State border issues are matters that can and should be resolved through mutual understanding and trust,” Sarma posted on X. “We do not view these regions as vulnerable in the context of national security threats. Accordingly, the arms license policy will not be applicable to the inter-State border areas of Assam.”
The policy will be implemented in the Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, Morigaon, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar districts, where a majority of the population is Bengali-speaking Muslim. Sarma cited recent developments in Bangladesh as a source of insecurity for indigenous communities in these areas, claiming they face threats from across the border.
The decision has sparked controversy. Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev criticized the policy, questioning the definition of “indigenous people” and suggesting it undermines confidence in the Assam government’s ability to protect its citizens. She argued that the policy sends a message that the Border Security Force and the Assam police cannot protect people from illegal immigration and issues from across the Bangladesh border.
“The government can issue an arms license, but cannot tell someone what he can or cannot use a gun for,” Dev stated. “This issue has been raked up only because elections are round the corner.”
The debate surrounding the arms license policy highlights ongoing tensions and security concerns within Assam, as well as differing perspectives on the best approach to addressing them.
First Piper 