16th arrest made in Assam for pro-Taliban posts in social media

Aug. 23: Assam Government has adopted a stern policy and is taking immediate action against those involved in pro-Taliban posts in social media. On Monday, another person was arrested in Assam for indulging in pro-Taliban posts on social media, thereby taking the total number of such arrests to 16 in the state.

Assam Special DGP (Law and Order) G P Singh tweeted a list of 14 arrested people, belonging to 10 districts — Kamrup (Rural), Darrang, Barpeta, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Hojai, and the Barak Valley districts of Hailakandi, Cachar and Karimganj. Most of them were arrested between Friday night and Saturday morning. On Saturday evening, one more arrest, from Baksa district, was confirmed.

The 16th arrest on Monday was that of a man who worked at a tyre shop in Jorabat area of Guwahati. As per the police, the accused was arrested for his Facebook post in support of the Taliban.

“Assam Police are taking stern legal action against pro-Taliban comments in the social media platform that are harmful to the National Security. We’re registering criminal cases against such persons. Please inform the police if any such thing comes to your notice.” This was tweeted on Saturday by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Assam. 

Reacting to such  ugly developments, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “Need cooperation from every one to maintain peace and harmony. I have directed Assam Police to act without fear and favour.” The arrests were made since Friday night and they have been booked under different sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, IT Act and CrPC.