Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a serious warning about potential terror threats to the state following the recent bomb explosion in Delhi, emphasizing that Assam must maintain high vigilance for an extended period.
Heightened Security Alert Across Assam
The Chief Minister revealed that police have already arrested five individuals and identified 34 others across multiple districts for allegedly posting offensive or celebratory content on social media platforms in connection with the Delhi incident. Speaking to media representatives on Wednesday, CM Sarma expressed grave concerns about the security situation.
"After the bomb explosion in Delhi, a shadow of grief has fallen over the entire country," Sarma stated. "They may enter here and can do anything. If an attack occurs in Assam, it will be bigger. Therefore, Assam will have to remain vigilant for a long time."
Changing Profile of Terrorists
The Assam Chief Minister made significant observations about the evolving nature of terrorism, noting that the Delhi blast has eliminated the misconception that educated individuals do not become terrorists. He emphasized that those involved in the recent incident were well-educated, challenging previous assumptions about terrorist recruitment.
"There was a concept that these people were used in different works since they were academically backward," Sarma explained without naming any specific community. "But the Delhi blast shows the people behind the incident were educated."
Social Media Crackdown and Arrests
CM Sarma highlighted that a section of people in Assam had posted happy emojis or welcoming messages on Facebook regarding the Delhi explosion. These same individuals had previously protested against the state government's initiative to provide essential commodities like dal, sugar, and salt at subsidized rates to ration card holders during singer Zubeen Garg's cremation ceremony.
The authorities have identified 34 people across various districts including Kamrup, Tamulpur, Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Barpeta, Cachar, Hojai, Baksa, Darrang, Jorhat, South Salmara, and Kamrup (Metro) for their social media activities related to the Delhi blast.
"I have instructed the police to arrest those people after scrutinising everything, as many people may make such posts unwillingly or unintentionally," the Chief Minister added, showing consideration for potential misunderstandings.
The five individuals already arrested for allegedly spreading "offensive and inflammatory" content on social media platforms have been identified as Mattiur Rahman from Darrang, Hassam Ali from Goalpara, Abdul Latif from Chirang, Wajhul Kamal from Kamrup, and Nur Amin Ahmed from Bongaigaon.
The Chief Minister assured that police would continue to act "swiftly and firmly against anyone misusing social media to spread hatred or glorify terror," indicating a zero-tolerance approach toward content that could threaten social harmony or national security.
