The Assam government has intensified its action against those accused of supporting Pakistan following the recent attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that two additional individuals had been arrested from Sonitpur district, bringing the total number of arrests to 58.
Taking to social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote, “58 Pak sympathisers are behind bars. They will also receive special care for their anti-national activities.”
He further asserted that the crackdown on what he termed “traitors” would persist, stating that “nobody will be spared.”
The state has been witnessing an intensified law enforcement response since the April 22 assault in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 individuals lost their lives when gunmen targeted the tourist-frequented area of Baisaran.
Many of the arrested alleged that the police are taking advantage of the current situation to arrest Muslim youths.
“Many of the contents shared are anti-war, some are critical of the government, and others are appeals for peace. How can these be labelled as pro-Pakistani and anti-national?” a researcher from Guwahati asked.
“The Assam government and the Chief Minister are notorious for cracking down on Muslims. He has publicly stated many times that he is happy to target Muslims,” she added.
In a press conference held last week, Sarma also announced that some of those apprehended would be booked under stringent provisions of the National Security Act (NSA).
Among those taken into custody is AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, who was booked on sedition charges for allegedly defending Pakistan and denying its role in the Pahalgam incident.
