Over 20 held in NE for ‘inflammatory’ posts

The police in the northeastern states — particularly Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya — have launched a sweeping crackdown following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 persons, arresting or questioning at least two dozen people over alleged “inflammatory” social media posts.

Assam reported the highest number of arrests, with 16 held — including All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islam. Tripura followed with eight arrests, while Meghalaya recorded one.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced three fresh arrests on Sunday — Dadhichi Dimple, alias Dimple Bora, Tahib Ali and Bimal Mahato from Golaghat, Tamulpur and Udalguri, respectively — in a post on X.

“With these, 16 arrests have been made in our crackdown against traitors,” Sarma said, warning that anyone found directly or indirectly supporting Pakistan would face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).

In Tripura’s Dhalai district, the police arrested a retired teacher and a student leader in Ambassa. Six others are under surveillance and may face proceedings for similar offences.

“It has come to our notice that certain individuals are circulating provocative and misleading messages on social media. Please be aware that forwarding, sharing, or creating such content is an offence under the law. Stringent legal action will be taken against those involved in such activities,” Tripura Police said in an advisory.

Separately, Nagaland Police warned that anti-national elements were using the Pahalgam attack to spread misinformation and unrest, particularly targeting the North-East.

“One of the easiest ways to do this is through social media — including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X — by creating false narratives using available tools, including AI,” the police said.

They added that there is apprehension that many newly created accounts may soon emerge to propagate emotional and anti-national sentiments and to stir disaffection among communities.

Many inflammatory posts, the advisory noted, originate from Pakistan-linked accounts and are later circulated by unsuspecting users.

Authorities have appealed for calm but made it clear: there will be zero tolerance for posts that threaten national unity.