Guwahati: In a strong move against those expressing support for Pakistan in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday confirmed that 48 individuals have been arrested across the state. The crackdown targets those accused of sharing inflammatory content on social media platforms that could threaten communal harmony and national security.
Among the latest arrests are three individuals identified as Arif Rehman and Abubin Meraz Uddin Sheikh from Dhubri district, and Nasim Uddin Laskar from Cachar district. Police have accused them of uploading Facebook videos that not only glorified Pakistan but also contained hate speech capable of inciting communal unrest.
Dhubri: Two held for hate-filled posts
According to officials from Dhubri district, Abubin Miraz Uddin Sheikh, a resident of Alomganj, and Arif Rahman from Puber Gaon village—both falling under the jurisdiction of Gauripur Police Station—were taken into custody on Friday. Initial investigations revealed that the content shared from their social media accounts included provocative remarks praising Pakistan and mocking India’s security forces following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Police sources stated that such digital content, especially in a border-sensitive district like Dhubri, carries serious risks of sparking communal tension and undermining the morale of the public and security forces.
Statewide crackdown ongoing: CM Sarma
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests via a post on social media platform X, reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward anti-national activities. He noted that police are continuing to identify and take action against individuals misusing digital platforms to support enemy narratives.
“Those who dare to glorify terrorists or support Pakistan will not be spared. Assam will not tolerate traitors,” the Chief Minister wrote.
He further stated that legal proceedings have been initiated under appropriate sections, and that investigations remain active in various districts. The authorities are closely monitoring online spaces for any content that may disturb the peace or threaten the sovereignty of the nation.
A warning to others
Officials from the state Home Department have warned that any form of digital sympathy toward hostile nations or terrorist groups will attract strict penal action. Assam Police’s cyber surveillance wing has been tasked with tracking such activities across social media platforms.
This wave of arrests is seen as a firm message by the Assam government amid rising national security concerns and escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border. It also underscores the growing role of cyber vigilance in curbing internal threats during times of conflict.
