In response to a wave of controversial and allegedly anti-national social media posts following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam Police have arrested six individuals from various districts across the state. Among those taken into custody are a sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly, a lawyer, a journalist, a university student, and others.
Those arrested include AIUDF legislator Md. Aminul Islam from Nagaon; Md. Jabir Hussain, a journalist from Hailakandi; lawyer Md. Javed Mazumder from Cachar; Md. A.K. Bahauddin, a student at Assam University in Silchar; Md. Mahahar Mia, also known as Md. Mujihirul Islam, from Morigaon; and Md. Sahil Ali from Sivasagar.
According to police sources, the arrests were triggered by social media content posted by the accused that either expressed support for Pakistan or appeared to defend or rationalize the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians and injured many more.
Legal Professional and Journalist Among Those Detained
Md. Javed Mazumder, an advocate from the Sonai area of Cachar, was arrested on Friday for allegedly sharing provocative posts that were seen as favorable to Pakistan and capable of inciting communal tensions. He was apprehended at his home in Nagdirgram by Sonai Police.
In a separate incident, Md. Jabir Hussain, a journalist working for a regional publication, was taken into custody by Panchgram Police in Hailakandi. Authorities allege he questioned the legitimacy of the Pahalgam attack on Facebook, implying it might have been orchestrated to distract from the ongoing Waqf Act controversy being heard by the Supreme Court.
Social Media Post Praising Attack Leads to Arrest
Md. Mahahar Mia, who also goes by the name Md. Mujihirul Islam, was detained in Morigaon after he referred to the killing of civilians in Pahalgam as a “good job” in a Facebook post. His comments sparked outrage online and prompted swift action from law enforcement.
University Student and MLA Also Booked
A.K. Bahauddin, a student at Assam University, was arrested in Silchar for allegedly posting hate-filled and communal content in defense of the attack. Authorities say his posts used inflammatory language and attempted to justify the violence, further contributing to social tension.
Meanwhile, AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam was arrested in Nagaon under charges of sedition and other serious offenses listed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Islam reportedly claimed the Pahalgam attack was orchestrated by the central government, drawing widespread criticism for what many deemed an anti-national statement. Police have registered an FIR against him under BNS Sections 152, 196, 197(1), 113(3), and 352, relating to sedition, incitement, and spreading misinformation.
Government’s Strong Response
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a firm warning via X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Assam will not tolerate anyone who, directly or indirectly, supports or justifies Pakistan in connection with the brutal Pahalgam attack. More arrests will follow as part of our uncompromising action.”
Assam will not tolerate any individual who, directly or indirectly, supports or defends Pakistan in connection with the heinous attack in Pahalgam.
So far, the following individuals have been arrested by @assampolice for directly or indirectly promoting the cause of Pakistan in…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 25, 2025
The terror incident in Pahalgam on 22 April has deeply shocked the nation. With public grief and anger mounting, several civil society groups in Assam have staged protests—not only denouncing the attack but also condemning the controversial social media reactions. State officials have reaffirmed their zero-tolerance policy toward attempts to spread communal unrest or glorify acts of terror.
(With Inputs From Organiser)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.