Three young men from Assam’s Lakhimpur district were arrested on July 23 for allegedly attempting to organise a protest in support of a nationwide youth movement.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Monjur Rahman (23), Ashraful Islam (21) and Abdul Kashem (23), all residents of Islampur village under Laluk Police Station.
According to reports, the trio had created a WhatsApp group to mobilise people for a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with the youth movement, which has since culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They also claimed they had sought police permission to hold the protest, but the request was denied before they were arrested.
Monjur Rahman, a Master of Commerce student, was reportedly called to Laluk Police Station while working in his family’s agricultural field on July 22. Ashraful Islam, who is also pursuing an M.Com degree, was allegedly picked up from near his residence around midnight on July 23. Abdul Kashem, a pharmaceutical science graduate awaiting his professional licence and currently employed as a teacher at a private school, appeared at the police station after being summoned.
Police booked the three under Sections 61(2)(b), 353(1) and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 152 deals with offences related to acts allegedly endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, including incitement to secession, armed rebellion or separatist activities.
