The Assam Congress chief, Gaurav Gogoi, has sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s controversial move to issue arms licenses to indigenous people in the state. Gogoi, who also serves as the Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, condemned the decision as a “dangerous step backwards towards lawlessness and jungle raj.” This strong stance highlights a significant political dispute within Assam.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on May 28 that the Assam government would grant arms licenses to indigenous residents in “vulnerable and remote” areas. Sarma stated the aim was to instill a sense of security among these communities, citing public demand from sensitive regions. He linked this decision to recent developments in Bangladesh and the state’s drive against suspected foreigners, suggesting indigenous people fear potential attacks. The Chief Minister affirmed the government would be lenient in issuing licenses to eligible, original inhabitants of these areas, believing it would provide them “additional courage.”
However, Gaurav Gogoi Slams BJP’s Decision to Arm Indigenous People, Warns of ‘Lawlessness’, vehemently opposing this stance. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) and addressing a press briefing, Gogoi urged Chief Minister Sarma to immediately reverse the decision. He argued that the people of Assam deserve essential services like jobs, affordable healthcare, and quality education—not guns.
Gogoi further accused the government of prioritizing “electoral concerns” over public safety. He asserted that instead of strengthening the police and border forces, the administration appears intent on distributing arms among “BJP-RSS sympathizers and local criminal syndicates.” According to Gogoi, this will inevitably lead to an increase in “gang violence and crimes based on personal vendettas,” and “local businessmen and traders are bound to be harassed.”
“This is not governance,” Gogoi declared, emphasizing that the decision reflects a perilous slide towards chaos. He called upon the Chief Minister to restore public trust through responsible leadership rather than resorting to such a contentious policy. The debate over arming civilians highlights a growing divide on how to best ensure security and stability in Assam’s vulnerable regions.
The contentious decision by the Assam government to arm indigenous people in vulnerable areas, and the subsequent vehement condemnation by Gaurav Gogoi Slams BJP’s Decision to Arm Indigenous People, Warns of ‘Lawlessness’, illuminates a deep ideological chasm within the state’s political landscape. While Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma frames the move as a necessary measure to instill security and address the anxieties of communities facing perceived threats, Gogoi’s stark warning of a descent into “lawlessness and jungle raj” paints a grim picture of potential societal breakdown.
This debate goes beyond the mere issuance of licenses; it touches upon fundamental questions of governance, public safety, and the role of the state. Gogoi’s argument that the government should prioritize strengthening formal law enforcement, creating jobs, and improving social services over civilian armament resonates with those who believe in institutional solutions to insecurity. His accusations of political motivations behind the policy further fuel concerns about potential misuse of arms and an escalation of local conflicts.
As Assam navigates its complex socio-political dynamics, the outcome of this policy will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications. Whether it genuinely enhances security for vulnerable populations or, as the opposition fears, ushers in an era of heightened violence and instability remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that this issue has ignited a crucial conversation about the most effective and responsible path to ensuring peace and order in the state, demanding careful consideration from all stakeholders.