Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the state cabinet has approved a new initiative to issue arms licences to indigenous residents in "vulnerable and remote" regions, particularly those along the Bangladesh border, to help them safeguard themselves. The scheme will cover districts like Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, South Salmara, and Goalpara.

Sarma emphasized that district-level authorities will have the final say in granting these licences. He described the move as “significant and sensitive,” citing the insecurity felt by indigenous communities in these areas—especially after recent incidents in Bangladesh where Hindus were targeted—as the key reason behind the decision. He noted that these communities face threats both from across the border and within their own localities.

Explaining the rationale, Sarma pointed out that the indigenous population in these areas often lives in fear and remains vulnerable amid the ongoing efforts to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. “This decision addresses a long-pending demand from locals, dating back to the Assam agitation of 1979–85,” he said. The government will not fund weapon purchases, but it will provide licences to those eligible. Previous administrations, he added, had not acted on these demands despite growing concerns from affected communities.