Guwahati, Aug 8 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare and preserving the heritage of the Tai Ahom community, emphasizing that their empowerment is vital for maintaining the state’s cultural identity. In a message shared on the social media platform X, CM Sarma articulated, “Our indigenous communities influence every decision we make. To elevate the Tai Ahom community, we have initiated significant projects — from the impressive Lachit statue to reserved seats — ensuring their legacy flourishes and their future is brighter than ever.”

Among the key initiatives, the Chief Minister pointed out the recent designation of Charaideo Moidam as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the nationwide commemoration of the birth anniversary of the iconic Ahom general, Lachit Barphukan, and the erection of a grand statue of Lachit in Jorhat.

Additionally, he mentioned that a memorial honoring the 10,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the historic Battle of Alaboi is currently in progress. Since 2022, the state government has allocated Rs 77.16 crore to the Tai Ahom Autonomous Council.

Other measures include increasing the number of reserved seats for Tai Ahom students in higher education institutions and the establishment of a new Tai Education and Cultural Centre.

CM Sarma stated that these projects embody the government’s dual objectives of empowering indigenous communities and preserving Assam’s historical and cultural heritage.

“Empowering communities, preserving Assam’s identity — this is our mission,” he asserted, adding that further initiatives for the Tai Ahom community are forthcoming.

In a notable effort to protect indigenous groups in sensitive and remote areas, CM Sarma recently introduced a dedicated portal for applying for arms licenses.

This new initiative, as he described, is a “special scheme” aimed at ensuring the safety of original inhabitants and indigenous citizens of Assam who face genuine threats to their safety.

“The Assam government is dedicated to the protection of indigenous people. A dedicated portal will allow indigenous citizens residing in vulnerable regions to apply for arms licenses. After comprehensive, multi-layered scrutiny, licenses will be issued to qualified individuals,” the Chief Minister explained.

Officials indicated that the scheme is specifically tailored for indigenous individuals living in areas deemed “vulnerable” or “remote” by the district administration or evaluated as such by designated security agencies.