Bullet isn't the point
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day.
Assam's move to liberalise arms licences in some state areas can turn seriously wrong. It should scrap the policy
Assam cabinet's decision to approve a special scheme to grant arms licences to 'original inhabitants' and 'indigenous citizens' in vulnerable areas of the state has rightly raised eyebrows. The last thing the Northeast needs is more guns. After years of painstaking security operations and negotiations leading to more than 10,000 militants across the region laying down their arms, giving guns back to the people defeats security objectives. It also undermines the narrative of normalisation that was taking hold in the Northeast.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says it is meant to deter threats and enhance personal security among indigenous communities in areas like Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, South Salmara-Mankachar and Goalpara. He also cites recent developments in Bangladesh. But this would mean that Assam police and other security forces in the state haven't been able to ensure law and order. Second, Assam has a terrible history of insurgency-induced lawlessness. Kidnappings, extortion and targeted killings were rampant during the height of Ulfa terror. What if the new liberal gun licence policy turns the clock back? As a state opposition leader said, govt can give gun licences but has no control over how those guns will be used.
Third, in recent years, the Northeast has been talked up as a growth hub and a key pillar of India's Act East policy. But will investments flow to the region if an atmosphere of lawlessness prevails? Note that Morigaon – where the new gun licence policy will supposedly apply – is earmarked for a semiconductor plant. Will hundreds of supporting companies required for semiconductor manufacturing make a beeline if there's no confidence in local law and order? Himanta's critics say he is playing his political games with assembly polls due next year. Whatever his reasons, he should take back the gun policy.
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This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
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