Oppn: Govt's arms licence to destabilise state peace
Guwahati: Assam opposition parties have voiced strong objections to state govt's special arms licence scheme for original inhabitants and indigenous Indian citizens in vulnerable and remote areas saying it would destabilise peace and create divisions among the people.
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They called for the Centre to step in and cancel the policy immediately.
The state cabinet last Wednesday approved this scheme, which it said will act as a deterrent to unlawful threats and enhance the personal security and confidence of the indigenous communities.
Newly appointed state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi described this decision a "dangerous step" backwards towards "lawlessness and jungle raj". He added that the chief minister must reverse the decision immediately and focus on restoring public trust through responsible leadership.
"Instead of strengthening police and border forces, the govt is intent on distributing arms amongst BJP-RSS sympathisers and local criminal syndicates. This will lead to gang violence and crimes based on personal vendettas. Local businessmen and traders are bound to be harassed," Gogoi wrote on X.
Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, Debabrata Saikia also denounced the decision, saying it undermines constitutional principles and threatens regional stability.
In letters to union home minister Amit Shah and union minister of state for law and justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Saikia requested urgent central intervention to withdraw this divisive policy. Saikia suggested the decision reveals the govt's inability to maintain institutional effectiveness.
"Arming civilians along communal lines is a recipe for disaster. The Assam govt's promotion of vigilante justice demonstrates an abdication of its constitutional responsibility to support law enforcement.
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They should remember that peace cannot be sustained at gunpoint," Saikia added.
Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev said this relaxed arms licensing policy undermines the authority of the police and Border Security Force.
"It shows that the chief minister no longer trusts his police force or the Centre's BSF. This is an insult to them," she added, noting Sarma's dual role as home minister. Dev questioned the control mechanisms over firearm usage once distributed.
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