Making an important announcement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state government is now going to launch an online arms license application portal for indigenous communities living in sensitive areas of the state. This step has been taken with the aim of ensuring the safety of those citizens who have to face danger every day. The Chief Minister made it clear that this facility will be available only for those people who reside in these sensitive areas and whose security is really in danger.
Strict investigation will be done at many levels
Chief Minister Sarma said that the license of the weapon will not be available without any strict process. For this, a rigorous and multi-level verification system will be implemented. The entire background of the applicants will be checked and it will be ensured that no person can use it for the wrong purpose. With this, the government wants to ensure that the law and order does not deteriorate and the common citizens can get the right to self-defense safely.
Transparency through technology
The application process under this scheme will be completely online. The state government will launch a dedicated portal from where citizens will be able to apply. This online system will not only bring transparency in the process but will also eliminate corruption and the role of middlemen. Sharing its information on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister said that this portal will be made live soon and its terms and conditions will be made public.
Priority to indigenous communities
The government has clarified that this facility is only for the indigenous communities of Assam who live in border or insurgency-affected areas. The main objective of this scheme is to provide means of self-defense to such families who have been living under the threat of danger for years. The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to providing security to the citizens but its misuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Public response and future plan
After this announcement of the Chief Minister, the response of the public has been mixed. While on one hand people have appreciated this decision of the government, some experts have also expressed apprehension of its misuse. The government has assured that complete monitoring and control will be maintained at every level. The Chief Minister also indicated that such schemes can also be implemented in other sensitive states in future.
