GUWAHATI , August 14, 2025: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced the launch of a dedicated online portal for granting arms licenses to indigenous people residing in sensitive areas of the state, aimed at enhancing their security and preventing displacement due to threats.
Unveiling the initiative through his official social media account, Sarma said the move is “a step towards ensuring security of our indigenous people” and will serve as a deterrent against forces that compel communities to abandon their homes. The online facility is integrated with the Sewa Setu platform, enabling eligible applicants to file for an arms license in Form III (General) without physically visiting government offices.
The Chief Minister clarified that the measure is not a blanket distribution of firearms. Responding to what he termed as “misleading reports,” Sarma stressed, “The Government of Assam will only provide arms licenses to people who fulfil various norms. We are NOT providing arms to people. This is not permissible by law.”
According to the government, the arms license application process will adhere strictly to provisions of the Arms Act, 1959, and the Arms Rules, 2016. Applicants will be required to submit valid identification, proof of indigenous status, residence details, and other mandatory documents, followed by thorough police verification and scrutiny by the licensing authority.
Officials said the focus is on residents of areas that have seen recurring tensions, where vulnerable indigenous families have, in some cases, been forced to flee due to security concerns. The portal is designed to streamline applications, improve transparency, and reduce delays in processing licenses for those meeting the eligibility criteria.
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The Sewa Setu portal link for arms license applications is: https://sewasetu.assam.gov.in/site/service-apply/application-for-an-arms-license-in-form-iii-general.
The move is expected to draw mixed responses - with supporters viewing it as a necessary safeguard for indigenous rights and security, and critics likely to call for tighter oversight to prevent misuse. The Assam government, however, has maintained that the system will be regulated, lawful, and focused on community protection in sensitive zones.
