Wrong call
• The Assam government, led by Bharatiya Janata Party, has issued arms licenses to “eligible” indigenous communities in remote and vulnerable areas.
• The government suggests these licenses would deter vigilantism and improve personal safety and confidence.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma insists these grants won’t be for people near inter-State borders.
• However, arming specific civilian groups could lead to misuse for acts like vigilantism and inter-community rivalry.
• The lines between law enforcement and private citizens are blurred, posing a risk of propagating violence and arms proliferation.
• Instead of arming civilians, the state government should enhance its own law enforcement and security presence in these “vulnerable areas.”
• In India, arms licenses are issued in a restricted manner, limiting the right to self-preservation.
• Arming civilian groups risks having weapons enter grey markets and falling into the wrong hands, and designating groups with authority that could backfire on the state.