Pumas safely conserved around Indian state (5)

I believe the answer is:

assam

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'indian state' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'pumas safely conserved' is the wordplay.
'ASSAM' is hidden back-to-front within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

'around' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for assam that I've seen before include "India tea-producing state" , "part of India" , "Tea-growing state in north-east India" , "North-east Indian tea state" , "NE Indian state (tea)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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