- For the global community, not a day passes without reading news reports about the gunfire incident killing innocent people, sometimes young students, in the United States of America. Such has been the environment created with the free availability of arms in that country that it must be really scary to always look over your shoulders, not knowing what will befall. How do you stop a crazy individual(s) from wreaking havoc in the most unexpected ways? Of course, a multitude of concerned citizens in the USA have been demanding stricter legislation to make the availability of arms with certain checks and balances in place. However, the strong arms lobby has stymied every effort of the people concerned aiming for a safe and secure environment.
PC: The Hindu
- When the most advanced nation is grappling with the free availability of arms as personal possession, the Assam government’s move to liberalise arms licences in some state areas can turn seriously wrong. The moot point to ponder over here is whether a country like India needs a liberalized arms licence in the first place. The answer is a definite no. In no uncertain terms, all the responsible stakeholders should join hands to ensure the policy is scrapped forthwith. The Assam cabinet’s decision to approve a special scheme to grant arms licences to original inhabitants and indigenous citizens in vulnerable areas of the state has rightly raised eyebrows. It defies logic that there was a necessity to even consider introducing the instant policy.
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PC: Business Standard
- As you are aware, the Northeast has seen some real development in the last decade or so when previous governments simply neglected the region or failed to accord due attention. The entire region is slowly but steadily getting weaned into the mainstream after concerted efforts. But it’s still a work in progress. As such, the last thing the Northeast needs is more guns. After years of painstaking security operations and negotiations, leading to more than 10,000 militants across the region laying down their arms, giving guns back to the people defeats security objectives. It also undermines the narrative of normalization that was taking hold in the Northeast. Assam CM says it is meant to deter threats and enhance personal security among indigenous communities.
PC: Scroll.in
- Mind you, some of the areas indeed face threats despite all-around development. But this would mean that Assam police and other security forces in the state haven’t been able to ensure law and order. Also, Assam has a terrible history of insurgency-induced lawlessness. Kidnappings, extortion, and targeted killings were rampant during the height of the ULFA terror. What if the new liberal gun licence policy turns the clock back? As a state opposition leader said, the government can give gun licences, but it has no control over how these guns will be used. Ask the US citizens. Further, how will investments flow if the atmosphere of lawlessness prevails in the Northeast, talked up as a growth hub? The Assam CM should take back the gun policy. Period.
