Assam regional governance and security updates

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has addressed several regional security, administrative, and social issues. Initially, the Chief Minister focused on regional tensions with Meghalaya, proposing the development of internal scenic destinations like Umrangso and Majuli to mitigate hostility toward Assam tourists in Meghalaya. He also raised concerns regarding a shifting narcotics trafficking corridor allegedly moving from Mizoram and Manipur toward a route linking Myanmar to Assam via Arunachal Pradesh.

Building on these security concerns, Sarma presided over a senior police officers' conference in Dergaon, where he announced the establishment of a specialized Anti-Narcotics Task Force to combat the Myanmar-Arunachal trafficking route. To further bolster law and order, the administration plans to create two new specialized battalions: one for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and another dedicated to securing ONGC and OIL installations. The government also intends to recruit over 5,000 youths next year and expand police housing for the state’s 91,000 personnel.

Regarding judicial efficiency, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to improve conviction rates and ensure criminal chargesheets are filed within 60 to 90 days under new criminal laws. He also noted that the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy has become a national training hub, serving personnel from states such as Manipur and Goa. Additionally, Sarma marked the fifth anniversary of the Karbi Anglong Peace Accord, attributing regional stability and economic growth to central leadership.

Amidst these administrative updates, the Chief Minister previously faced backlash from the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) following remarks regarding a fatal road accident in Khetri. AASU labeled his comments ‘insensitive’ and ‘inhuman,’ organizing a planned statewide protest to demand better National Highway maintenance.