Assam CM Himanta Defends Govt Move Over Arms Licences As Congress’s Gogoi Calls It Step Towards ‘Jungle Raj’

Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the Constitution grants everyone the right to life and, within legal limits, the right to bear arms.

File photo of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and state Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi.

Source : PTI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday stated that the decision to issue arms licences to indigenous residents in 'sensitive' regions was made after careful consideration, emphasising the duty of the state government to ensure their safety.

Speaking at a press conference, Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that the Constitution grants everyone the right to life and, within legal limits, the right to bear arms. "It is the responsibility of the state government to provide security to the indigenous people and so it has taken the decision to provide them with arms licences in sensitive areas along the international border," he said, news agency PTI reported.

The effect followed the state cabinet's decision after the review of the people's "demand" who stay in these areas. He added that Assamese people have been demanding arms licences for a prolonged period, as those living in some areas have been feeling insecure.

"If the previous governments had given the licences in 1985 (after the Assam agitation), many indigenous people would not have sold their land and left their homes," the CM also said.

Sarma noted that districts such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar fall under the sensitive areas identified for the arms licence decision. He also mentioned specific localities like Rupahi, Dhing, and Jania, which are predominantly inhabited by the migrant Bengali Muslim community.

Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Sarma said that some individuals and the Congress consistently oppose government initiatives, so their objections are not taken seriously.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) have condemned the move, accusing the government of using a 'lenient' arms licence policy to polarise society and potentially disrupt the state’s fragile peace.

Gaurav Gogoi Criticises Assam Govt Decision On Arms Licences

In response to the Assam government's decision to allow arms licenses, the state unit Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday criticised, stating that it is not governance but a "dangerous move" backwards towards "lawlessness and jungle raj".

He urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to revoke the decision without delay and instead prioritise rebuilding public confidence through accountable governance.

On Wednesday, CM Sarma had announced that the Assam government would issue arms licences to indigenous residents in “vulnerable and remote” regions to help them feel more secure.

"I strongly condemn Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's decision to distribute arms to civilians in border regions of the state," he said in a post on X. He added that people of Assam deserve jobs, quality education, affordable healthcare, but not guns.

I strongly condemn Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s decision to distribute arms to civilians in border regions of the state.

People of Assam deserve jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, not guns.

Instead of strengthening police and border forces, the government…

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) May 29, 2025

"Instead of strengthening police and border forces, the government 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," he added.

"This is not governance, this is a dangerous step backwards towards lawlessness and jungle raj," Gogoi also said. "This decision reflects not public concern, but electoral concerns. The Chief Minister must reverse it immediately and focus on restoring public trust through responsible leadership," he further added.

During a press conference in Guwahati, CM Sarma explained that the decision was made during a state cabinet meeting after assessing the demands raised by people in those regions.