AIUDF legislator arrested for alleged pro-Pakistan remarks in wake of Pahalgam terror attack

In a high-stakes political development, Assam’s All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islam was arrested on April 24 on sedition charges for allegedly defending Pakistan and downplaying its role in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The arrest followed the circulation of a controversial video in which Islam appeared to suggest a conspiracy behind the attack aimed at deepening communal divisions within India.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrest at a press conference, stating that police acted on his direct orders after the video surfaced.

“We have seen a video where the MLA is defending Pakistan and its complicity in the attack. I instructed the police to take immediate action, and the DGP has informed me that he has been arrested,” Sarma said.

Islam, a three-time legislator from the Dhing constituency, was taken into custody from his residence in Assam’s Nagaon district. In the video recorded during a panchayat election campaign, the MLA implied that both the Pahalgam and 2019 Pulwama attacks were orchestrated by forces seeking to polarise India along communal lines.

The February 14, 2019, Pulwama attack claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel in a suicide bombing widely attributed to Pakistan-based militant groups. The recent Pahalgam attack, similarly attributed to Pakistan-backed terrorists, has further escalated tensions.

CM Sarma reiterated that Assam would adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward any attempt — verbal or digital — to defend or normalize acts of terror. “Assam will take the strongest possible action against anyone who dares to defend, directly or indirectly, the horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam. Let it be known: those who justify or dilute the brutal murder of innocent civilians are not exercising freedom of expression—they are standing against the soul of India,” Sarma stated in a post on X.

The AIUDF leadership has swiftly moved to disassociate itself from Islam’s remarks. Party president Badruddin Ajmal condemned the statements, calling them “unfortunate,” and insisted they do not reflect the party’s official stance. “This is the time to stand with our government. Terrorists have no religion. These terrorists are maligning Islam,” Ajmal said, underscoring the AIUDF’s condemnation of the attack.

Local authorities have registered a case at the Nagaon Sadar Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Nagaon Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka described Islam’s comments as “highly objectionable and derogatory, especially at this critical moment,” adding that interrogation is ongoing and Islam will be presented in court on Friday.

This is not the first time the MLA has drawn legal scrutiny. In April 2020, Islam was arrested for making controversial remarks about quarantine facilities and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state government has emphasized that any narrative perceived as sympathetic to hostile nations or terror outfits will be met with firm legal consequences. “We will take the case to its logical conclusion,” the Chief Minister affirmed.