24 Held in Assam for Alleged Pro-Pakistan Remarks After Pahalgam Terror Incident
Guwahati:In a strong crackdown on alleged anti-national behavior, Assam Police have arrested 24 individuals for purportedly expressing support for Pakistan in the aftermath of the recent terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests, which include a high-profile opposition lawmaker.Among those taken into custody is Aminul Islam, an MLA representing the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), who now faces serious sedition charges over his alleged statements defending Pakistan's stance on the April 22 attack that claimed 26 lives. The assault occurred in Baisaran, a scenic area near Pahalgam, and has since triggered widespread condemnation across India.Updating the media via a post on social media platform X at 7:30 p.m., CM Sarma wrote, “24 Anti-Nationals are behind the bars now.” This follows an earlier statement on April 28 in which he had revealed that 22 arrests had been made.The latest wave of arrests occurred in the Sribhumi and Kamrup districts. Authorities are continuing to monitor potential threats, with Sarma warning that the National Security Act (NSA) could be invoked if the situation warrants more stringent action.Reaffirming the ideological divide between India and Pakistan, Sarma stated during a media briefing, “There are no similarities between Bharat and Pakistan. The two countries are enemy nations, and we must remain like that.”The Assam government’s decisive action underscores a zero-tolerance policy toward any gestures seen as sympathetic to hostile entities, especially in the wake of a terror attack. While human rights organizations have often raised concerns about freedom of speech in such matters, state officials maintain that national security takes precedence.As investigations continue, further arrests are possible. Authorities are also examining digital communications and social media posts for evidence of anti-India sentiments linked to the recent violence.
