Assam Chief Minister Reports Arrests of 81 for Alleged Support of Terrorism
Arrests Following Pahalgam Terror Attack
On Sunday, Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced that 81 individuals have been detained for allegedly expressing support for Pakistan in the wake of the recent terror incident in Phalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP leader highlighted that among those arrested were Mohammed Dilbar Hussain from Sonitpur and Hafizur Rahman from Kamrup. He emphasized on social media that authorities are actively monitoring anti-national sentiments online and responding accordingly.
The tragic attack on April 22 in Baisaran, near Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of 26 people and left 17 others injured. Reports indicate that the assailants targeted tourists based on their names to determine their religious affiliations, with all but three of the deceased identified as Hindu.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Assam government has intensified efforts to apprehend individuals accused of endorsing Pakistan through their social media activities or public statements.
81 Anti-Nationals are now behind bars for sympathising with Pak | #Update | 1 June
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 1, 2025
1️⃣ @SonitpurPolice arrested Md Dilbar Hussain
2️⃣ @KamrupPolice arrested Hafizur Rahman
Our systems are constantly tracking anti-national posts on social media and taking actions.
Earlier, on April 24, Sarma stated that the state would take strict measures against anyone who defends the 'horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam'.
This announcement followed the arrest of Aminul Islam, an MLA from the All India United Democratic Front, who faced sedition charges for suggesting that the Pahalgam attack, along with the 2019 Pulwama incident, might have been orchestrated by BJP leaders.
Although Islam was granted bail on May 14, he was subsequently detained again under the National Security Act, which permits extended detention without trial and limits the rights of the accused, including access to legal counsel and timely notification of the reasons for arrest.