Assam Government's Decision on Arms Licences

The decision by the Assam government to issue arms licences to "eligible" indigenous communities in remote and vulnerable areas is highly contentious and poses significant risks.

Key Concerns

• Vulnerability and Safety: The government suggests that indigenous communities near the Bangladesh border are vulnerable, and arming them would deter threats and enhance their safety.
• Potential Misuse: Arming civilians can lead to vigilantism and inter-community conflicts, as the distinction between law enforcement and private citizens becomes blurred.
• Insurgent Violence: Assam has a history of insurgent violence, including threats from groups like ULFA (Independent). Introducing more arms could escalate violence rather than improve security.
• Legal and Administrative Challenges:
  • In India, arms licences are issued under the Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016, in a restricted manner for self-preservation.
  • Issuing licences to large groups poses identification challenges and complicates monitoring and recovery.
• Historical Precedents: The policy of arming civilians in Chhattisgarh during the Salwa Judum campaign led to human rights violations before being deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.

Proposed Alternatives

• Enhance Law Enforcement: Instead of arming civilians, the government should bolster its law enforcement and security presence in vulnerable areas.
• Monopoly of Violence: In modern states, the government and law enforcement agencies should hold the monopoly over instruments of violence.

Given these concerns and potential risks, it is recommended that the Assam government reverses its decision to issue arms licences to civilians.