Guwahati, Aug. 14 -- On the eve of Independence Day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a dedicated digital portal allowing indigenous residents of "sensitive areas" to apply for arms licences, a move he described as both a security measure and a gesture of empowerment for communities facing demographic and safety challenges.
"This is a religious and politically neutral scheme. Licences will be given to people of all communities who are indigenous or original inhabitants, and whose three generations have lived in that area," Sarma said.
He stressed that the government would not supply firearms, but licences would be issued strictly under the Indian Arms Act following a rigorous, multi-layered verification process.
Sarma li...