Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently addressed public concerns and queries regarding the applicability of the state’s updated arms licence policy to its inter-state border regions. These areas share boundaries with Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Sarma clarified that the new arms licence regulations would not extend to these sensitive border zones, reaffirming Assam’s approach of handling such matters through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust rather than labeling these regions as areas of heightened national security concern.

The clarification emerged amid widespread questions about whether the state’s enhanced arms licensing norms would impose restrictions on border residents or affect the security dynamics in these areas. Officials pointed out that Assam’s government continues to view inter-state border issues as problems best solved through peaceful negotiation and mutual understanding, distancing itself from any notion that these border zones are vulnerable or require stringent security measures akin to those in conflict-prone areas.

In a detailed statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Sarma directly responded to queries about the policy’s reach. He emphasized that Assam has always maintained a consistent stance on border matters — they should be resolved amicably with mutual respect and trust between the states involved. Sarma stressed that Assam does not consider these border regions susceptible to national security threats and therefore, the arms licence policy does not and will not apply to these inter-state border areas.

Sarma’s comments reflect Assam’s long-standing philosophy of maintaining peace and stability in its border regions through collaborative efforts and dialogue rather than enforcement-heavy approaches. This mindset supports ongoing cooperation between Assam and its neighboring states, fostering an environment where border disputes and related issues can be managed without escalating tensions or invoking security-related restrictions on ordinary residents.

Further reinforcing this position, the state government reiterated that these inter-state border areas are not classified as security-sensitive zones. This distinction exempts them from the arms licence policy that applies to other parts of Assam, where tighter controls may be necessary due to different security concerns. By exempting these regions, the government aims to balance security with the need to maintain normal life and cross-border relations, ensuring residents are not unduly burdened by licensing requirements in areas that have historically been governed by trust and mutual cooperation.

This approach also underscores Assam’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and emphasizes dialogue over militarized responses in managing its boundaries. The Chief Minister’s statement reassures residents and neighboring states alike that Assam prioritizes stability, trust, and mutual respect in addressing border issues. It also aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen inter-state cooperation and foster peace in regions often susceptible to tension due to their strategic locations.

In summary, Assam’s updated arms licence policy excludes the inter-state border areas adjoining Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland, reflecting the state’s long-held belief in resolving border issues through understanding and negotiation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s clarification aims to alleviate public concerns by highlighting the government’s approach of fostering cooperation and trust, rather than imposing strict security restrictions. This balanced policy ensures that these border communities remain free from additional regulatory burdens, supporting peace and stability in Assam’s diverse and strategically important frontier regions.