In a sweeping crackdown following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Assam Police have arrested 34 individuals across several districts for allegedly expressing support for Pakistan. The arrests include All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) legislator Aminul Islam, who is now facing sedition charges. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the development public through a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Tuesday evening, stating, “Total: 34 Anti Nationals put behind bars in Assam.” He described the accused as individuals who defended Pakistan on Indian soil, a stance the state government has condemned as “anti-national.” The arrests were carried out across seven districts, namely Cachar, Chirang, Hailakandi, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, and South Salmara. According to official information, the latest individuals to be apprehended include Nasib Ahmed (Cachar), Ariful Ali (Chirang), Sachin Ahmed Mazumdar (Hailakandi), Mostak Rohim Ali (Kamrup), Md. Fulzar Hussain (Lakhimpur), Furkan Ali (Sonitpur), and Shuzabul Islam (South Salmara).
The police have invoked provisions under the Indian Penal Code related to sedition, promoting enmity, and inciting unrest, alongside relevant sections of the Information Technology Act for those who allegedly used social media to spread provocative content. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Sarma had revealed that 27 arrests had already been made in connection with the matter. By evening, the number rose to 34, with multiple arrests happening in quick succession across lower and upper Assam. The Chief Minister’s office has emphasized that no leniency will be shown to anyone attempting to glorify terrorism or make statements undermining national security. Among those arrested, the case of AIUDF legislator Aminul Islam has drawn particular attention. Islam allegedly made remarks on social media perceived as supportive of Pakistan’s narrative regarding the Pahalgam attack. He has denied wrongdoing but remains in custody pending investigation.
The Assam government has adopted a zero-tolerance stance against what it calls “acts of betrayal.” CM Sarma stated that the police will act swiftly and decisively against anyone who supports the enemies of the nation, whether overtly or covertly. Public reactions have been mixed, with many supporting the state’s strict response, while some political commentators have raised concerns about free speech and the interpretation of dissent. However, authorities maintain that the individuals in question went beyond permissible expression and openly sided with a hostile state in the wake of a deadly terror attack. Security has been tightened in sensitive areas across Assam to prevent any backlash or unrest. The state police have also issued advisories urging citizens to refrain from making inflammatory posts on social media that could incite communal tension or glorify anti-India sentiments. The Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian security personnel, has triggered a wave of outrage across the country. Assam’s response reflects a broader national mood calling for firm action against any domestic sympathies toward terror-linked elements. As the investigation continues, police sources have indicated that more arrests may follow, depending on the digital trail and statements made in the aftermath of the attack.
