Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that the first batch of firearms licenses will be issued in February 2026 to local residents living in “secure and remote” areas of Assam. Speaking to the media after a cabinet meeting at the Lok Seva Bhawan, he stated that the government has received a large number of applications under the new firearms license scheme, which are currently under scrutiny and verification.
License Issuance Process and Eligibility
The Chief Minister clarified that the government will issue licenses very selectively, and not every applicant will be granted permission to possess firearms. Applicants must be native residents of Assam, have no criminal record, and undergo rigorous police verification. Final approval will be granted by the Deputy Commissioner under the provisions of the Indian Arms Act. The scheme aims to instill a sense of security among local communities living in sensitive and remote areas.
Target Districts and Security Considerations
The districts and locations the government has included under the scheme include Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar, as well as areas like Rupahi, Dhing, and Jania. The Chief Minister had previously clarified that tribals and local people living near the Bengal border often face infiltration and criminal activities. The scheme aims to give residents in such sensitive areas the right to legally possess weapons for self-defense. He also stated that the government is not purchasing weapons for anyone; licenses will only be issued to eligible applicants.
Concern over Demographic and Economic Change
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also expressed concern over the “rapid demographic change” in Assam. He claimed that the growth rate of the Hindu population is declining, while the Muslim population is increasing. He said that according to data between 2001 and 2011, the growth rate of the Hindu population is declining in every block of Assam, while the Muslim population is increasing. He also called for monitoring land transactions between Hindu and Muslim communities, stating that prior permission from the Chief Secretary’s office has been mandatory since last year. The Chief Minister noted that not only the population but also the property distribution pattern is changing, indicating economic change. He announced that a detailed press conference would be held soon on this subject.
