Guwahati, Aug 9: The Nari Nagarik Manch, an apolitical platform uniting women’s voices across Assam, has urged the state government to immediately revoke its decision to grant arms licences to “indigenous people in sensitive areas.”
The collective warned that the move would undo decades of peacebuilding and escalate tensions in the state.
At a meeting held in Guwahati on Saturday, attended by nearly 30 women from diverse walks of life, the collective unanimously resolved to launch a sustained campaign, including submitting a memorandum to top constitutional authorities, filing a Public Interest Litigation and initiating a coordinated social media outreach, against the May 28 Cabinet decision.
The participants cautioned that:
• Fuel for Gun Culture: Assam has worked for years to reduce the circulation of weapons after prolonged militancy. The new decision risks triggering an arms race, increasing gender-based violence, and sparking “civil war-like” situations.
• Erosion of Law Enforcement: Speakers stressed that the government should focus on strengthening the BSF, police and border patrols instead of “weaponising civilians.”
• Opaque and Divisive Policy: The decision lacks transparency on eligibility criteria, threat assessment, or safeguards, raising fears of targeting specific communities and deepening social polarisation.
• Lessons from Conflict Zones: Drawing parallels with Manipur, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, activists warned that the proliferation of arms inevitably fuels crime, domestic violence, and black-market trade.
Former IPS officer Violet Baruah noted that Assam’s borders are already guarded by well-equipped security forces, adding, “Weapons are still in circulation from past conflicts — legalising more arms will be a threat to public safety.”
Journalist Afrida Hussain questioned the very premise of the policy, stating that “the government’s decision to arm civilians reflects a trust deficit by the Chief Minister towards the police administration.”
Women’s rights activist Indrani Dutta condemned the decision as “a dangerous step rooted in divisive politics” and called for non-violent public resistance. Junu Bora questioned the state’s ability to maintain law and order, while Rashmi Goswami warned of the emergence of an “arms economy” similar to global conflict zones.
The collective emphasised that ensuring public safety is the duty of the state, not ordinary citizens, and warned that “arming households will only make women and communities more vulnerable.”
Nari Nagarik Manch reaffirmed its commitment to democratic, non-violent protest and called upon citizens across Assam to unite in safeguarding peace and social harmony.
