The Nari Nagarik Manch, an apolitical women’s collective in Assam, has strongly opposed the state government’s plan to license firearms to “indigenous people” in areas that are considered vulnerable. The group warned that decades of peace could be undone by the action. Most of Assam has been peaceful since the conclusion of the militancy in 2009–2010. When weapons reached non-state actors, the Manch fear a recurrence of the bloodshed that occurred in Manipur. About 30 members decided to ask the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to cancel the idea. Through a PIL, they can also petition the courts. Residents of the five “vulnerable” districts—Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, and South Salmara-Mankachar—where there are a significant number of Muslims of Bengali descent are the focus of the program. It is criticized for being politically driven in the run-up to elections.
The Manch forewarned of a “civil war-like situation,” a “arms economy,” and an increase in gender-based violence. Instead of “weaponizing civilians,” they encouraged the government to concentrate on bolstering the Border Security Force and the police. Furthermore, they said that the “divisive” policy was opaque regarding eligibility requirements, threat assessments, and protections, which stoked concerns about singling out particular communities and escalating social division. The decision was described as “a dangerous step rooted in divisive politics” by women’s rights campaigner Indrani Dutta, who also urged for peaceful public opposition. Social activists Rashmi Goswami and Junu Bora questioned the state’s capacity to uphold law and order and warned of the rise of a “arms economy” like to those found in conflict areas throughout the world.