Assam Ramps Up Action Against Pro-Pakistan Supporters; 42 Arrested So Far

Guwahati:Assam police have intensified their efforts to clamp down on individuals expressing support for Pakistan in the wake of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. As of May 4, a total of 42 people have been arrested across the state for allegedly promoting anti-national sentiments.The latest arrests include three individuals — Azibor Rehman, Joynal Uddin, and Asraful Islam — who were apprehended by the police forces in Barpeta, Hojai, and Chirang districts respectively. The arrests were part of a state-wide crackdown aimed at curbing any activities seen as supportive of hostile foreign entities.Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward such behavior. In his post, he stated:“Update on Crackdown against traitors for defending Pakistan on Indian soil- 20.30hrs | 04 May Azibor Rehman arrested by @Barpeta_Police, Joynal Uddin arrested by @Hojai_Police. Asraful Islam arrested by @chirangpolice,Total of 42 Anti-Nationals put behind BARS.”The arrests follow a series of controversial incidents where individuals were reported to have raised pro-Pakistan slogans in response to the April 22 terror strike in Baisaran, a popular tourist destination in Pahalgam, south Kashmir. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-backed militants, resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people and left many more injured.Reacting strongly to these incidents, CM Sarma, while speaking at a panchayat election rally, condemned any show of support for Pakistan and made a strong public statement, saying he would not hesitate to “break the legs” of those chanting "Pakistan Zindabad" on Indian soil. He urged citizens to stand united in support of the Indian Army and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the need to bring all terrorists and their supporters to justice.The Assam government’s ongoing drive aims to deter any expression of allegiance to entities seen as threats to India’s sovereignty.