GUWAHATI: In a significant move, the Nari Nagarik Manch, an apolitical women’s collective in Assam, has opposed the state government’s decision to issue arms licences to “indigenous people” in sensitive areas. The group warned the move could undo decades of peace.
Assam has remained largely peaceful since the end of militancy in 2009–10. The Manch fears a repeat of the violence seen in Manipur when arms reached non-state actors. About 30 members resolved to petition Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Prime Minister, and the President to revoke the plan. They may also move the courts through a PIL.
The scheme targets residents of five “vulnerable” districts, Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar, where Bengali-origin Muslims are in large numbers. Critics see it as politically motivated ahead of elections.
The Manch warned of an “arms economy”, a rise in gender violence, and a “civil war-like situation”. They urged the government to focus instead on strengthening the police, the Border Security Force, rather than “weaponising civilians”. They also said the "divisive" policy lacked transparency on eligibility criteria, threat assessments, or safeguards, raising fears of targeting specific communities and deepening social polarisation.
Women’s rights activist Indrani Dutta termed the decision “a dangerous step rooted in divisive politics” and called for non-violent public resistance. Social activists Junu Bora and Rashmi Goswami questioned the state’s ability to maintain law and order, warning of the emergence of an “arms economy” similar to global conflict zones.
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