Assam: CM Himanta's Move to 'Arm' Indigenous Communities Sparks Political Row

Opposition parties have slammed Himanta Biswa Sarma's move and urged the government to focus on jobs and development

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

(Photo:Twitter/@himantabiswa)

In a move that has sparked a war of words in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that indigenous residents who inhabit "remote, vulnerable, and border areas" will be encouraged to "apply for arms licenses under the Indian Arms Act". The state government is positioning this as an act to protect and safeguard the “Khilonjia,” or "sons of the soil" in Assam. However, the Opposition has said that it reflects "misplaced priorities" on the part of the government and that it may lead to violence.

What Did CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Say?

The Chief Minister of Assam claimed, “This is an important and sensitive decision in districts where indigenous people are in a minority and constantly face insecurity, especially in the wake of recent developments in Bangladesh. These indigenous populations can become victims if attacked from Bangladesh or from within their villages.”

Sarma clarified that the policy would apply to districts that fall on the border with Bangladesh and not those that share boundaries with other states, especially those with whom Assam has boundary disputs.

The focus area for the policy includes districts like Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, Goalpara, and South Salmara-Mankachar, where Muslims of Bengali origin are present in sizable numbers.

How Has the Opposition Reacted?

The decision has been strongly condemned by Opposition leaders in Assam. Congress' deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, wrote on X, “People of Assam deserve jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education—not guns. Instead of strengthening the police and border forces, the government is intent on distributing arms amongst BJP-RSS sympathisers and local criminal syndicates.”

Gogoi, MP from Jorhat in Assam, is seen as Sarma's main challenger in the state.

Calling it a step back toward “lawlessness” and “jungle raj,” Gogoi alleged the move was not a matter of public concern but an electoral strategy, and urged the Chief Minister to revise it immediately.

Another important Opposition leader, Raijor Dal chief and Sibsagar MLA, Akhil Gogoi said that the move, was a "recipe for instigating communal violence ahead of the 2026 Assam elections".

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Rajya Sabha, Sushmita Dev, also criticised the decision and questioned whether the Border Security Force, CRPF, and Assam Police are incapable of protecting indigenous people. She asked if the policy was indeed influenced by cross-border tension and infiltration. She also raised concerns about the criteria used to define “indigenous people” and how the government intends to monitor potential misuse of arms against ordinary citizens.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Borah accused Chief Minister Sarma of attempting to create a "gun culture" in Assaml.

“Are we trying to emulate the United States, where gun violence is rampant? Do we want our children growing up in a society where firearms are normalised? This is not the Assam we envisioned,” Borah asserted, adding that “If citizens must bear arms to feel safe, what then is the role of the police?”

This push comes at a time when around 770 illegal migrants have been deported to Bangladesh, following a massive crackdown on illegal residents, prompted in part by Indo-Pak tensions and Mohammad Yunus’ recent comments on Northeast India. Before this, CM Sarma tweeted, “To those who habitually threaten India on the 'Chicken Neck Corridor', note these facts as well: Bangladesh has two of its own 'chicken necks’. Both are far more vulnerable.”