27 arrested in Assam for anti-national posts after Pahalgam attack, warns of NSA charges

In a strong response to growing tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Assam government has arrested 27 individuals for posting anti-national and pro-Pakistan content on social media. The terror strike, which took place on April 22, resulted in the deaths of 27 civilians, mostly tourists, sparking nationwide outrage and tighter scrutiny over online activity.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests on Monday, stating that law enforcement had taken action against individuals spreading inflammatory and divisive content. He warned that such behavior would be met with the strictest legal provisions, including the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA).

Among those arrested are notable figures including Aminul Islam, an MLA from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) representing Dhing constituency, and Anil Bania, District Secretary of the Satra Mukti Sangram Parishad from Biswanath. Their detention has added a political dimension to the state’s ongoing crackdown on hate speech and suspected sympathizers of terrorism.

Three other individuals identified as Dark King, Abdul Mukit, and Tahib Ali were taken into custody from the districts of Kokrajhar, Sribhumi, and Tamulpur. Their posts allegedly glorified Pakistan and mocked Indian victims of the terror strike.

Chief Minister Sarma had earlier issued a stern warning, declaring that anyone found promoting anti-India propaganda—directly or indirectly—would face arrest under stringent laws. “Assam will not tolerate traitors. We will take lawful action against those who side with enemies of the nation,” he posted on social media.

The crackdown comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, as the Indian government has taken several steps including banning Pakistani YouTube channels and restricting social media accounts linked to inflammatory content. Assam’s action underscores a larger national sentiment to root out what officials call digital sedition in the wake of terror incidents.