Assam to give arms licences to ‘indigenous citizens’ in ‘vulnerable’ areas: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati: The Assam government announced that it has approved a scheme to issue arms licences to “indigenous people” residing in areas where their population is in the minority.
During a press conference following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained that the scheme aims to provide indigenous communities with the means to defend themselves against threats from hostile quarters. “We announce the special schemes for grant of arms licences to original inhabitants and indigenous Indian citizens in vulnerable and remote areas of Assam,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government would encourage indigenous people to apply for these licenses to bolster their personal security.
Sarma identified several districts as particularly vulnerable, including Dhubri, Morigaon, Nagaon, Barpeta, and South Salmara. Bengali-origin Muslims account for the majority in these areas.
According to Sarma, these communities live in fear and often “have to confront the question of their security”. He added that after the incidents in Bangladesh, they “might face attacks from the Bangladesh side or in their villages”.
This move, Sarma insisted, is a significant step forward, addressing long-standing demands from the people living in Assam’s more remote and vulnerable areas.
The announcement, however, has sparked criticism from certain quarters. Harekrishna Deka, former Director General of Police of Assam, expressed concern regarding the scheme. He questioned the logic behind the decision, pointing out that the authorities should focus on maintaining law and order if there were genuine security concerns.
“I do not understand the logic. Vulnerable from what? Were they not vulnerable earlier,” Scroll quoted Deka as saying. He added that “the government is duty-bound to maintain security” and giving arms licenses to vulnerable residents was not a solution to security threats.
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Rare Kalyani Chalukya-era stepwell discovered in Karnataka’s Gadag district
Gadag: A centuries-old stepwell from the Kalyani Chalukya period is discovered into public in Sudi, a remote village in Karnataka’s Gadag district. The Nagakunda Pushkarani, dating to the 10th-11th century CE, is undergoing extensive restoration under the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage’s ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme.
The stepwell was focal point of community life and craftsmanship under the reign of Akkadevi, sister of Chalukya king Jayasimha II. It shows the dynasty’s mastery of architecture and water management. Its interior walls are carved with the precision of temple façades, setting it apart from most surviving stepwells in southern India, linking it stylistically to examples in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
After centuries of neglect left its sculptures weathered and its waters dry, the site is now being revived by the Deccan Heritage Foundation India in partnership with Heritage Matters, the Gandipet Welfare Society and the Water Literacy Foundation according to a report published by The HIndu. Work includes structural repairs, removal of invasive vegetation, dredging, stone resetting and landscaping, alongside the restoration of an adjacent mantapa with a large Ganesha idol.
Heritage architect B. Sarath Chandra noted, the project is as much about functionality as aesthetics, with water recharge efforts already underway. Funded by Gandipet Welfare Society founder Rajashree Pinnamenni, the restoration is slated for completion by late 2025, followed by a second phase linking the stepwell to the Jodu Kalasadagudi temple through landscaped pathways.
The report mentions that officials say the revival of Nagakunda Pushkarani could not only reintroduce Sudi’s Chalukya heritage to a wider audience but also serve as a model for conserving other lesser-known monuments across Karnataka.
