Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Assam police have arrested 19 individuals for their alleged pro-Pakistan sentiments. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has labeled them as traitors, highlighting a controversial debate on nationalism and sedition in India. This incident raises questions about free speech and the implications of political dissent.Key Takeaways
- 19 individuals arrested in Assam for pro-Pakistan sentiments.
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma labels them as traitors.
- AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam is a prominent figure among those detained.
- Islam's comments suggest a conspiracy behind terrorist attacks.
- AIUDF leadership distances itself from Islam's remarks.
Guwahati, April 27 (NationPress) The police in Assam have taken into custody at least 19 individuals for their purportedly ‘pro-Pakistan’ sentiments shared on social media and other venues, as stated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday.
Chief Minister Sarma disclosed that as of Sunday, 19 people have been incarcerated for making pro-Pakistan remarks while living in India.
Labeling them as “traitors,” he remarked, “A total of 19 anti-nationals have been apprehended.”
The recent arrests occurred in the Barpeta and Cachar districts.
Sarma mentioned that Jarif Ali was detained in Barpeta, and Imran Hussain along with Komar Uddin were apprehended in Cachar.
Among the arrested individuals, the most notable is AIUDF party MLA Aminul Islam, who was the first to be arrested in the state for taking a “pro-Pakistan” stance.
Islam, the AIUDF MLA representing Assam's Dhing Assembly constituency, was taken into custody on Thursday under sedition charges following his inflammatory comments regarding the terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which resulted in over 20 fatalities.
In a video clip that circulated on social media, Islam was heard asserting that the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks were orchestrated as part of a “government conspiracy.”
He stated: “Six years ago, when the RDX explosion took place in Pulwama, resulting in the deaths of 42 soldiers, I claimed on that very day that the blast was a plot by the central government, aimed at securing victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.”
He also claimed that the BJP has propagated the narrative that the attackers in Pahalgam selectively targeted Hindus while sparing Muslims.
“However, survivors reported that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, without inquiring about anyone's identity, and I suspect the same nexus that was involved in the Pulwama attack utilizing RDX is behind the Pahalgam incident,” he stated.
Islam further asserted, “If the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not conduct an impartial inquiry into this incident and attempts to sow discord between Hindus and Muslims, I would conclude that this incident is the result of a conspiracy,” placing blame on PM Modi and HM Amit Shah.
AIUDF chief Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal distanced the party from MLA Islam's remarks, stating, “AIUDF stands with the government. Terrorism knows no religion, and those who propagate terrorism are against Islam.”
