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GUWAHATI, AUGUST 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday declared that the state government is set to launch a specific online portal to enable arms license applications for indigenous citizens residing in sensitive or vulnerable regions. The move, he added, is intended to ensure the security and safety of original inhabitants who are being subjected to real threats to their lives.
Announcing it on social media site X, the Chief Minister said, “A special portal is to be established where native individuals, who feel their lives are being threatened and live in sensitive zones, can apply for Arms License. After due scrutiny and after the multi-layered process, Arms License will be issued to an individual.” He also informed that the license would be issued only after thorough background checks and verification.
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The scheme is a part of a bigger plan named ‘Safety of Indigenous People’. The special plan will be limited to those who are originally from Assam and reside in far-flung or sensitive areas chosen by either the district administration or security agencies. The government has made it clear that the applicants will have to prove a valid threat to their life and safety for them to qualify.
The arms licensing process will involve a detailed vetting system, including security assessments and compliance with all existing legal requirements. The licenses issued under the scheme will be non-transferable and will be subject to periodic review to prevent misuse.
For transparency and accountability, the whole system will be monitored closely. The Chief Minister also pointed out that this is not a new idea since many people in Assam already have licensed guns. The government is, however, making the process simpler to make it easier for those who indeed feel vulnerable.
With this action, the Assam government is seeking a balance between empowering indigenous people to defend themselves and making it a point that such action is taken responsibly.
