Guwahati: Islamist religious leader arrested by Assam police for inciting people against administration on social media. On June 2, Mufti Mukibur Rahman Azhari, a controversial religious leader, was arrested by Darrang district police following orders from Director General of Police G P Singh. The arrest was prompted by Azhari’s provocative comments and incitement on social media, including a call to intense protest against the Lakhimpur police station and the office of the superintendent of police in reaction to the religious views expressed by Lakhimpur youth Mustafa Kamal. Earlier Mustafa Kamal said that it is not mandatory in Islam to sacrifice cows. He said sacrifice is important and it was never mentioned in Islam that they should sacrifice only cows. Cleric Mustaf’s comment was not accepted by Islamists in Assam and they denounced his comment.
Azhari’s inflammatory posts quickly gained traction on social media, prompting law enforcement to take swift action. Although an initial search on July 1 night was unsuccessful, Darrang police successfully apprehended Azhari around 1:30 pm on July 2. The case registered as 97/24 at Dhula police station, has been presented before the Mangaldoi court. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further unrest that could be sparked by Azhari’s actions.
Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika also commented on the incident, expressing his concern over Azhari’s threats. In a post on his X handle, Hazarika wrote, “Look at the audacity! This person belonging to a special community is giving an open threat to Gherao Lakhimpur Police Station on July 6. He is also threatening to come out with a large number of people from July 6 to 10 and disrupt normal life.”
Hazarika further elaborated, “All this because during Eid, a person from the minority community had appealed to people not to sacrifice cows. It is unimaginable that such a benign appeal could flare hatred to the extent that he is now challenging @assampolice in a live video and calling for violence. Is this where Assam is going today?”
Authorities continue to closely watch the situation, aiming to maintain peace and prevent any further escalation of tensions incited by Azhari’s statements.
