New Delhi: Malik Moatasim Khan, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), has expressed deep concern regarding the Assam Government’s recent decision to issue arms licenses in so-called ‘vulnerable’ and remote areas.
In his media statement, Mr. Khan remarked, “We are gravely concerned by the Assam Cabinet’s decision to provide arms licenses to ‘original inhabitants and indigenous Indian citizens’ living in areas termed as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘remote’. This move, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seems both alarming and retrogressive, as it has the potential to escalate tensions and erode the rule of law. Granting firearms to select civilian groups under ambiguous classifications raises doubts about the true intentions behind this decision. Describing specific regions as ‘vulnerable’ and then selectively distributing arms to certain groups appears to be a deliberate attempt to alienate and possibly threaten minority communities. The lack of clarity on who qualifies as an ‘original inhabitant’ adds to the fear of biased and discriminatory implementation.”
He added, “This step cannot be seen in isolation—it follows a pattern of troubling policies by the Assam Government, including the arbitrary detention of Bengali-speaking Muslims accused of being ‘foreigners’, often without any proper legal process. These actions, along with other exclusionary measures, create an atmosphere of fear, undermine the responsibilities of police and security forces, and risk triggering daily violence in the region.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind strongly urges the Assam Government to revoke this dangerous and divisive policy without delay and instead initiate an inclusive dialogue with all communities to address security concerns. The organization also appeals to civil society groups, human rights organizations, and the judiciary to closely examine this move and ensure that the rights, safety, and dignity of every community in Assam are upheld and protected.
