The political climate in Assam continues to heat up as the state government intensifies its crackdown on individuals allegedly involved in making derogatory or communal social media posts. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has vowed to take firm action against what he calls “anti-Hindu” and “anti-India” elements operating both online and offline.
On Tuesday, Sarma confirmed that two more individuals were arrested for offensive content, taking the total number of arrests to 92.
Who Were Arrested?
The latest arrests include Sabikul Islam, who was booked for posting communal content on social media, and Dulal Bora, who allegedly made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities Lord Krishna and Rukmini. According to Assam Police officials, these arrests are part of a larger surveillance and intelligence-based crackdown on individuals “inciting religious disharmony” and glorifying anti-India sentiments.
Sarma posted on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter):
“Anti-Hindu elements nabbed! Crackdown continues…. Total 92 culprits behind bars.”
Pahalgam Terror Attack: The Trigger
The backdrop of this sweeping action is the April Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which killed several Indian security personnel and civilians. In the days following the attack, several social media posts surfaced that were allegedly sympathetic to Pakistan or dismissive of Indian casualties. Authorities claim that some of these posts originated from users in Assam.
This led the state government to launch a statewide crackdown on "traitors", with Chief Minister Sarma declaring:
“No one who supports anti-national elements will be spared. We will identify them, arrest them, and ensure justice.”
Legal Grounds and Charges
Most of those arrested have been booked under charges that include promoting enmity between religious groups, sedition, and under Section 153A and 295A of the IPC. In some high-profile cases, the National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked, which allows for prolonged detention without trial.
One such case is that of Aminul Islam, an opposition AIUDF MLA, who was arrested for allegedly making statements defending Pakistan and its alleged role in the terror attack. Although he was granted bail in the sedition case, he was immediately rebooked under the NSA, sending a strong political message.
Public Reaction and Political Divide
Reactions to the crackdown have been deeply polarised. Many in Assam and across India have supported the government's tough stand, arguing that freedom of speech must not extend to promoting hatred or supporting enemies of the state. These supporters applaud the government for preserving law and order and ensuring that communal harmony is not compromised.
However, critics — especially from the opposition parties and civil rights groups — have raised alarms about freedom of expression and abuse of legal provisions. They argue that terms like “anti-Hindu” and “anti-national” are being loosely applied and that legitimate dissent or satire is also being targeted under the garb of national security.
A Growing National Trend?
Assam’s aggressive approach reflects a broader national trend, where state governments across India are clamping down on online hate speech and controversial social media posts. However, what makes Assam’s case unique is the explicit emphasis on religion, particularly the defense of Hindu sentiments as a matter of state concern.
Some analysts suggest that this strategy serves both a law enforcement purpose and a political one — helping consolidate majoritarian support ahead of key elections. With the ruling BJP frequently invoking national pride and religious sentiment, this crackdown may serve as a political signal as much as a policing measure.
Final Thoughts
The arrest of 92 individuals in Assam following the Pahalgam terror attack marks one of the most expansive post-terror crackdowns on communal social media activity in recent times. While the state government asserts that this is a necessary measure to maintain law and order, the situation also raises serious questions about civil liberties, the boundaries of free speech, and the role of social media in a highly sensitive socio-political climate.
As the crackdown continues, the focus will remain on how Assam balances national security with individual rights, and whether this approach serves as a deterrent to online hate or a dangerous precedent for curbing dissent.
