Assam Launches Online Portal To Provide Arms Licence For Indigenous People In Vulnerable Areas
Inaugurating the facility at Lok Sewa Bhawan here, the chief minister told reporters that the initiative aims to empower indigenous communities facing genuine threats to their lives by providing “an extra layer of security"
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Thursday, launched a digital portal enabling indigenous residents of “vulnerable and remote” areas to apply for arms licences.
Inaugurating the facility at Lok Sewa Bhawan here, the chief minister told reporters that the initiative aims to empower indigenous communities facing genuine threats to their lives by providing “an extra layer of security”.
He said, “The new facility will allow indigenous and permanent residents of the state residing in vulnerable, remote and border areas, who face insecurity to their lives due to various threats, to apply and get arms licence online without visiting government offices,” said Mr Sarma. The state cabinet had approved the initiative on May 28.
Clarifying his earlier statement that the scheme would be applicable in Muslim majority districts and those sharing the border with Bangladesh, Mr Sarma said that it was a “religious-neutral objective” to help indigenous residents, original inhabitants and people residing in India continuously for at least three generations.
Justifying the initiative of the BJP led alliance government, the chief minister said that the move would allow vulnerable residents to act as first responders in case of threats, within the limits of legal provisions, before police and security personnel can reach those remote and border locations. Mr Sarma also clarified that while the government will provide the licence, it would not play a role in applicants securing the arms and ammunition.
The chief minister while justifying the necessity of the arms for self-defence, said, “For example, an area has a history of tension and clashes between two communities, one of which comprises around 90-95 percent of the population and another which is just 5-10 percent. If the majority community attacks the minority one, having arms will allow the smaller population to secure themselves before police teams reach from the nearby police station or district headquarters.”
Pointing out that this scheme is about safeguarding indigenous people in the most vulnerable corners of Assam he said, “With strict checks in place, we aim to provide them with a legitimate means of self-protection.”
Applications must be submitted online via the Sewa Setu portal. The scheme lays down clear eligibility norms and stringent verification processes to ensure only genuine applicants are granted licences, the chief minister announced.
