Staff Reporter, Guwahati: In a decisive move to strengthen internal security and honor the state’s rich cultural legacy, the Assam Cabinet has rolled out a series of landmark decisions. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, announced that the government will begin issuing arms licences to eligible indigenous citizens residing in remote, sensitive, and border areas of the state, including Dhubri, Nagaon, and Barpeta. This significant policy shift is aimed at empowering communities that face increasing threats and limited access to law enforcement. Sarma emphasized that the initiative is not meant to militarize the population, but rather to instill a sense of self-reliance and security among vulnerable residents. He described Assam as a “difficult and sensitive state” and underscored the need for such measures to protect citizens in high-risk areas. Only law-abiding indigenous individuals will be considered for licences, with stringent background checks and compliance under the Arms Act. District Commissioners will issue Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide the application and vetting process, which is set to begin immediately. The state government reassured that those with criminal records will be strictly excluded from eligibility. In a parallel effort to honor the state’s heritage, the Cabinet approved the renaming of several public institutions. The Sarusojai Sports Complex in Guwahati will now bear the name of Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah, Assam’s first recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award. The State Institute of Rural Development will be renamed as the Golap Borbora State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development, in tribute to the state’s first Chief Minister. Additionally, the district stadium in Mangaldai will be named after Raja Dharma Narayan, commemorating his historical significance. Further reinforcing the state’s infrastructure goals, the Cabinet also cleared a major 900 MW power generation project in Dharakuchi village of Karbi Anglong. This ambitious project is expected to bolster Assam’s energy capacity and play a key role in regional economic development. Together, these decisions reflect the Assam government’s commitment to enhancing security, celebrating cultural identity, and driving infrastructure growth. The Cabinet’s actions are being viewed as a strategic response to both contemporary challenges and the aspirations of Assam’s indigenous population.
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