Himanta Biswa Sarma decodes why Indigenous people need guns

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday justified granting arms licences to indigenous Hindus living in heavily minority-dominated areas, arguing that such measures were necessary for their protection. 

Citing districts like South Salmara, Mankachar and Bhaghbar, Sarma said there are villages where barely 100 Sanatan Dharma followers live amid populations of 20,000 to 30,000.

“Under the legal process, if such families wish, they can obtain an arms licence. Protecting Sanatan Dharma is our duty,” he said. 

“Without a gun, how will one live in South Salmara or Mankachar? If you go there, you will see 20–25 thousand people surrounding a Satra where just 100 people reside. Won’t they need something for their safety? We will give it only after proper consideration, within the boundaries of the law,” he added.

The Chief Minister stressed that the move would remain strictly within legal limits, adding that along with arms, land and rights were also essential for safeguarding indigenous communities.

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The Assam Cabinet, on May 28, approved the issuance of arms licences to indigenous residents of “vulnerable and remote” areas to instil a sense of security. Identified districts include Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar, along with localities like Rupahi, Dhing, and Jania — all minority-dominated areas.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended the move, citing longstanding demands from locals since the Assam Agitation of 1979–85. He said licences would only be granted after proper scrutiny via a digital portal.

Opposition leaders, however, have condemned the decision, calling it divisive and potentially dangerous for the state’s communal harmony, and have urged the Centre to intervene.

Meanwhile, the Nari Nagarik Manch, a women’s collective in Assam, has urged the state government to withdraw its decision to grant arms licences to “indigenous people in sensitive areas,” warning it could fuel gun culture, escalate gender violence, and even trigger civil conflicts.

At a meeting held on Saturday, the apolitical platform criticised the move as a reversal of years of peace-building efforts in the state, which had seen widespread arms surrenders after decades of militancy. The group said the government should prioritise strengthening law enforcement rather than “weaponising civilians” through what it called a “lenient” licensing policy.