Assam: Welder Shamsul nabbed from Army camp spying for Pakistan; 81 held for pro-Pakistan social media posts
Guwahati — In a major security breach, a man suspected of spying for Pakistan was apprehended from an Indian Army base in Assam’s Jorhat district. The accused, identified as Shamsul Islam, a welder by profession, had been working inside the 41 Sub-Area of the Army camp for the past six months.
According to defence sources, Shamsul Islam — a resident of Bilasipara in Dhubri district, which lies close to the Bangladesh border — was under close surveillance by Army intelligence units for some time. His alleged activities raised suspicions after it was found that he was reportedly in contact with Pakistani handlers and was passing on sensitive information related to the Army’s operations.
The Army arrested Islam on June 1, following which he was handed over to the Assam Police for further investigation and legal proceedings. A joint interrogation is currently underway involving both the police and Army intelligence officials.
Police sources said that Islam has a criminal history, with records of offences in Dhubri and Guwahati. He is believed to have been residing in Jorhat for an extended period before his arrest. Citing the delicate nature of the investigation, authorities have chosen not to reveal specific operational details at this time.
Crackdown on Anti-Nationals
Continuing its offences against anti national activities, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Assam Police have arrested people who express pro-Pakistan sentiments on social media. So far, 81 people have been arrested across the state for allegedly posting content that glorifies or supports Pakistan.
Those detained include political figures, university students, lawyers, journalists, and activists. Among those arrested are AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, as well as individuals associated with Islamist organisations and opposition political parties such as the Congress.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 1, confirmed the arrests and reaffirmed the government’s firm stance against anti-national activities. “81 Anti-Nationals are now behind bars for sympathising with Pak,” the CM wrote, adding that the state’s security systems are actively monitoring digital platforms for suspicious behaviour.
Recent arrests include:
- Md Dilbar Hussain, taken into custody by Sonitpur Police
- Hafizur Rahman, arrested by Kamrup Police
The crackdown also follows Operation Sindoor, during which several individuals were detained for expressing support for Pakistan on social media platforms. Authorities have reiterated that surveillance will continue and that strict action will be taken against anyone found to be promoting anti-national ideologies or threatening national security.
