On Thursday, Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurated the arms license services, emphasizing that while the government will issue licenses, it will not provide firearms. This initiative is designed to enhance security for vulnerable groups, enabling them to protect themselves when necessary.

The arms license services have been officially launched as part of the citizen service initiative under the Sewa Setu portal. This program allows indigenous residents in border areas to apply for an arms license. The Chief Minister reiterated that the government will solely issue licenses and not distribute weapons.

The primary aim of this initiative is to bolster the sense of security among indigenous populations who face various threats, especially in areas marked by ethnic or communal strife. The government has also undertaken significant eviction efforts against illegal encroachers, reclaiming over 1.29 lakh bighas of both government and forest land.

By empowering these communities, the government seeks to foster peace and stability in the region. The arms license application process includes a comprehensive security assessment, verification, and adherence to existing laws. To qualify for a license, applicants must be original inhabitants or indigenous citizens of Assam, demonstrate a legitimate threat to their safety, and reside in designated vulnerable areas as identified by local authorities or security agencies.

The licensing process involves meticulous background checks, compliance with arms regulations, non-transferability of licenses, and ongoing monitoring to prevent misuse.