A citizens’ group in Nagaon district protested the state government’s decision to issue arms licenses to indigenous people for self-protection. The Nagaon Nagarik Sabha (NNS) rallied on Monday, demanding the reversal of the May 28 cabinet decision, citing risks of communal tension.

The Assam Cabinet approved arms licenses for indigenous residents in “vulnerable” areas like Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the policy addresses long-standing safety demands from the Assam Agitation (1979-85) and announced a portal for license applications launching in August.

NNS Secretary Birinchi Bora criticized the move as a distraction from urgent needs. “We need irrigation, jobs, and land rights, not communal weapons,” he said, warning of potential unrest akin to Manipur’s. He accused the government of pushing a divisive agenda to mask failures.

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The targeted areas are minority-dominated, raising fears of ethnic divides. On July 24, Sarma defended the policy, insisting firearms are vital for indigenous survival. Critics, however, urge focus on development, calling the plan dangerous and divisive.

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