Guwahati, Aug. 14 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday clarified that the state is expanding arms licence services, not handing out guns, amid growing concerns from experts that higher gun prevalence could increase risks of injury, death, and wildlife poaching.

The clarification came amid a plan to let indigenous residents in identified "vulnerable" areas apply online via Sewa Setu.

Meanwhile, public-health and conservation experts caution that higher gun prevalence is associated with increased risks of injury, death, and wildlife poaching, urging strict screening and non-lethal safety measures alongside any licensing push.

"Contrary to misleading reports, the Government of Assam will only provide an arms license to ...