Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that 14 individuals have been arrested for posting ‘seditious remarks’ following the Pahalgam attack and threatened to charge them under the National Security Act (NSA) if necessary.
Sarma Stresses Bharat-Pakistan Differences
“There are no similarities between Bharat and Pakistan. The two countries are enemy nations and we must remain like that,” news agency PTI quoted Sarma as telling reporters on the sidelines of a programme at the state BJP office in Guwahati.
He stated that a Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader was caught on Friday for his “anti-India remark” and cautioned that any individual who adopts such a position will be arrested.
“If required, we will impose provisions of NSA on them. We are examining all (social media) posts, and action will be taken against those who, we feel, are anti-national,” said Sarma.
Himanta Confirms 14 Arrests on Social Media
Taking to social media, Sarma confirmed that the number of arrests for making ‘pro-Pakistan’ comments has risen to 14 in the state.
“Total 14 arrests made till now against people who have made seditious comments,” he said, sharing the update on ‘crackdown against traitors’ till 7 pm on Saturday.
A minimum of six people were arrested during the day, two in Cachar and one each in Hailakandi, Nagaon, and Sribhumi.
Social Media Posts Lead to Further Arrests
In another X post, Sarma said that one individual was detained in Sribhumi district on Friday evening for posting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ on Facebook.
Moreover, he confirmed in another social media update that two more people had been arrested on similar charges in Cachar district.
“Cachar Police has arrested two more persons for posting content supporting Pakistan on social media,” he said.
Previous Arrests and Background of Pahalgam Attack
On Thursday, two people, including opposition AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, were arrested, followed by six more arrests across the state on Friday, as reported by Sarma.
The Tuesday attacks in Baisaran, a favorite tourist destination in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, claimed at least 26 lives, most of whom were tourists, and injured several others.
