The Assam Government has moved decisively to curb the spread of extremist ideology, issuing a comprehensive notification that bans the publication, circulation, possession, and digital transmission of radical and jihadi literature linked to outlawed groups such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS, and other similar proscribed outfits. This crucial action follows recommendations put forth by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) and corroborating observations from the Judicial Department.
Intelligence reports and investigations conducted by the Assam Police and its Special Task Force (STF) had highlighted the continued dissemination of these extremist materials across both physical print and digital platforms, prompting the government’s intervention. The administration determined that such literature serves a dangerous purpose, as it not only glorifies violent jihad and actively promotes radicalisation but also provides detailed guidance for ideological indoctrination and recruitment. Furthermore, the material is deemed a direct threat to India’s sovereignty and internal security by incitement to violence.
Effective immediately, the government has prohibited all forms of engaging with these documents, including publication, printing, sale, exhibition, possession, or storage, irrespective of whether the material is in physical or digital format. The stringent ban extends specifically to websites, social media pages, encrypted channels, online groups, and any digital platforms found to be propagating the extremist content associated with these banned groups.
In enacting this measure, the Assam Government has invoked Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This section empowers the state to forfeit materials that promote enmity between groups, are prejudicial to national integration, or contain content intended to outrage religious feelings. Violations of the ban may also face legal action under Sections 196 and 197 of the BNSS, as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. To ensure the immediate and effective implementation of the order, the notification mandates strict enforcement by the Assam Police, Special Branch, Crime Investigation Department, District Superintendents of Police, Cyber Crime Units, and all other relevant law enforcement agencies, with a clear directive to take swift legal action against any violators.
