Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state government will begin issuing firearm licences to indigenous residents living in “vulnerable and remote” areas from February 2026. The move is aimed at strengthening security and regulating firearm ownership through formal procedures.
Speaking at a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Guwahati, Sarma said that the first batch of licences will be issued selectively to residents of districts such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar. Localities including Rupahi, Dhing, and Jania have also been identified as areas where the new policy will be implemented.
“We have received many applications from indigenous people for firearm licences. The government will ensure that licences are issued carefully and selectively,” Sarma said, adding that the policy is meant to enhance personal safety and security in remote areas. 
The state cabinet had initially approved the proposal on May 28, allowing residents of vulnerable regions to apply for firearm licences. Sarma emphasized that the policy is not aimed at any particular community, stating that both Assamese and indigenous Muslims can be included in the scheme.
In the same briefing, Sarma highlighted demographic and economic trends in Assam, citing data from 2001–2011. He observed that the growth rate of the Hindu population is declining while the Muslim population is increasing across most blocks of the state. Sarma linked this to changing patterns of land ownership, noting that the sale of land from Hindus to Muslims is higher than the reverse. He also noted that land transactions now require prior government approval under a directive issued last year.
On another policy front, the Chief Minister announced that the cabinet has approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025. The proposed law seeks to ban polygamy, with offenders facing up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. The law will be cognisable and non-bailable but will exempt Scheduled Tribe populations and areas under the Sixth Schedule, such as the Bodoland Territorial Region, Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong. Muslims residing in Sixth Schedule areas before 2005 will also be exempted.
The government plans to set up a compensation fund for women affected by polygamy to ensure they do not face financial hardship. Details regarding compensation and children’s welfare will be outlined in the rules of the law once it is passed in the assembly.
Sarma said he will hold a separate briefing in the near future to present detailed data on Assam’s demographic and economic shifts, noting that while demographic change can be accepted, rapid economic shifts are more significant and impactful.
The new policies on firearm licences and polygamy legislation are expected to be closely watched as Assam prepares for the state assembly elections, likely to be held in March–April 2026.
