Assam to Launch Online Arms Licence Portal for Indigenous Communities in August

Guwahati, July 10: In a move aimed at enhancing security for vulnerable indigenous populations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the state government will launch an online arms licence portal in August 2025. The initiative seeks to streamline the application process, making it more accessible for indigenous communities residing in sensitive areas. CM Sarma clarified that this is not a new policy but an effort to digitize and simplify the existing arms licence process. “Indigenous communities in vulnerable regions have always had the right to apply. We’re just making it more structured and convenient, “he stated. The decision follows concerns over security in border and conflict-prone areas, ensuring that eligible citizens can legally obtain arms for self-defence without bureaucratic hurdles. Once operational, the portal is expected to reduce processing delays and bring transparency to arms licence distribution. The move has been welcomed by indigenous groups, though opposition parties may scrutinize its implementation.