The Assam Cabinet has approved a new scheme to allow original inhabitants and indigenous citizens living in vulnerable and remote areas near the Bangladesh border to obtain arms licences, citing security concerns.
According to the Assam government, the decision aims to help locals protect themselves from potential threats both within their villages and across the border.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This is an important and sensitive decision. In districts like Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, South Salmara and Mankachar, Goalpara districts (where Bangladesh-origin Muslims are in majority), indigenous people are a minority and constantly face insecurity, especially in the wake of recent developments in Bangladesh.”
Sarma said that the move reflects the BJP government’s commitment to protecting “jati, mati aru bheti” — the identity, land, and home of Assam’s indigenous people.
“This has been a demand since 1985, but no government has dared to take this decision. Had we taken this decision then, the indigenous people would not have sold their land in these areas and left,” he said.
The scheme will simplify the process for eligible indigenous people in marked vulnerable zones to get licences. Areas such as parts of Guwahati, including Hatigaon, may also be covered.
Sarma also linked the decision to growing fears tied to the government’s ongoing efforts to deport illegal Bangladeshi nationals, which has raised tensions in border and mixed-population areas.
“This decision will help stop illegal threats and give the indigenous people more confidence and security,” the government said in a statement.
