In a first-of-its-kind move by a women’s forum in Assam, the apolitical collective Nari Nagarik Manch has announced a sustained campaign against the Himanta Biswa Sarma government’s decision to issue arms licences to “indigenous people living inside sensitive areas” of the state.

The forum warned that the policy could “undo decades of peace-building” in Assam and escalate tensions.

The state, which endured a prolonged period of militancy before achieving relative peace since 2009-10, has not witnessed major violence in over a decade.

The Manch expressed concern that, as seen in neighbouring Manipur, the circulation of arms among non-state actors could trigger unrest. In a meeting held in Guwahati on August 8, attended by around 30 prominent women from various walks of Assamese society, the collective resolved to submit a memorandum to the chief minister urging an immediate revocation of the decision.

It also decided to write to the Prime Minister and President seeking intervention, and to consider filing a public interest litigation if necessary.

The controversy stems from the state government’s announcement in May that, beginning August 1, arms licences would be issued only to “indigenous” residents of vulnerable, remote areas in five districts — Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon and South Salmara-Mankachar — which have sizeable populations of Muslims of Bengali origin. Sarma has argued that residents in these areas feel “insecure” and that his government would be “lenient” in granting licences to eligible applicants.

The policy has been criticised in the backdrop of the chief minister’s increasingly provocative statements ahead of the assembly polls.

In July, Sarma said he wanted the “situation in Assam to be explosive” and has been accused by critics of using the “Bangladeshi” issue to stoke communal sentiment, particularly against Muslims of Bengali origin, amid growing allegations of nepotism and corruption.

Several civil society groups and Opposition parties have condemned the move, warning it could inflame divisions in the poll-bound state.

The Nari Nagarik Manch cautioned that the decision could spark an “arms economy,” fuel gender-based violence, and lead to a “civil war-like situation” in a state that has worked for years to reduce the circulation of weapons after the insurgency years. 
In a press note, the Manch argued that the government should prioritise strengthening the Border Security Force, state police, and border patrols instead of “weaponising citizens.”

It said the decision lacked transparency regarding eligibility, threat assessment, and safeguards, raising fears of targeting specific communities and deepening social polarisation.

Drawing parallels with Manipur and Assam’s Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao regions, the group warned that an influx of arms could increase crime, domestic violence, and black-market trade. Speakers at the meeting also questioned whether a “trust deficit” between the chief minister and his own police force lay behind the policy.