Who Can Apply for Assam’s Special Arms License? New Policy Targets Vulnerable Border Residents

The policy will not apply to inter-state border areas shared with Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram...

In a decisive move to help ensure personal security in Assam’s most vulnerable regions, the state Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Special Scheme for the Grant of Arms Licenses. The policy is aimed at empowering residents in remote, high-risk, and border areas with legal means of self-defence amid persistent security threats.

With the announcement, a key question has emerged: Who exactly can apply for a license under this special scheme?

Who Can Apply?

Under the new scheme, eligibility is strictly limited to:

• Indigenous and original inhabitants of Assam
• Indian citizens with valid identification
• Individuals residing in vulnerable or remote areas face genuine personal security threats.

How Will Eligibility Be Verified?

Applicants will undergo:

• Thorough police verification
• Intelligence-based threat assessment
• Mandatory recommendation from the District Superintendent of Police (SP)
  Consultation by the District Magistrate with relevant security agencies
  

Monitoring and Implementation

The scheme will be jointly monitored by the Home and Police Departments. District Magistrates and SPs will submit periodic implementation reports. Importantly, each applicant must submit both the Special Scheme application form and the standard arms license form.

The policy will not apply to inter-state border areas shared with Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland, where separate security protocols are in place.

The licenses will be granted under the provisions of the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016, and will be non-transferable. Misuse of any kind will lead to immediate cancellation and legal action.

Also Read: N Chandrasekaran, Man Who Played Crucial Role in Assam’s Semiconductor Plant, Steps Down as Chairman & Director of Tata Chemicals

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