Assam is currently entering a high-stakes political season, but security concerns are taking center stage. On January 7, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a stern warning regarding the state’s internal stability. He alleged that a “major conspiracy” is currently unfolding to disrupt peace. Specifically, the CM highlighted a sudden rise in fundamentalist activity ahead of polls, suggesting that certain organizations are working to destabilize the region before the 2026 Assembly elections.
Read More: NIA Probes Serial Explosions in Manipur’s Bishnupur District
Disclosing the National Security Threat
Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, the Chief Minister revealed that the situation has become serious enough to require central intervention. He disclosed that he recently held a detailed discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During this meeting, he flagged the suspicious and rapid surge in religious extremist actions. These events follow a period of relative calm in the state, making the timing highly suspicious for the administration.
Sarma believes that this fundamentalist activity ahead of polls is not accidental. Instead, he views it as a coordinated effort to create communal tension and influence the electoral narrative. The state government is now investigating whether these radical groups have secret affiliations with mainstream political parties. By raising these questions, the CM aims to alert the public about potential “sleeper cells” that might be activated during the campaign period.
A Sudden Surge After Years of Calm
One of the most concerning aspects of the CM’s statement was the “sudden” nature of the threat. For the past few years, Assam has seen a significant reduction in terror-related incidents and radical movements. However, as the election cycle nears, intelligence reports have indicated a shift in the landscape.
The Chief Minister noted that the increase in fundamentalist activity ahead of polls coincides with broader regional instability. He suggested that external influences are trying to use Assam as a laboratory for social engineering through radicalization. Consequently, the state has intensified its surveillance of suspicious NGOs and religious institutions that have recently seen an influx of “strange visitors” from outside the state.
Key Security Concerns Flagged by the CM:
- Coordinated Destabilization: Radical groups are allegedly planning protests and small-scale conflicts to disturb the law-and-order situation.
- Political Affiliations: The government is probing if fundamentalist organizations are acting as “fronts” for certain political entities to polarize voters.
- Revival of Sleeper Cells: After years of dormancy, certain modules are reportedly attempting to regroup and recruit local youth.
- Digital Misinformation: The CM warned that extremist ideologies are being spread rapidly through encrypted social media channels to bypass traditional monitoring.
Strengthening the Security Grid with Amit Shah
The meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah was a turning point in the state’s strategy. Because the fundamentalist activity ahead of polls poses a threat to national integrity, the Center has promised full support to Assam. This cooperation includes the sharing of real-time intelligence from central agencies and the deployment of additional paramilitary forces if the situation escalates.
Furthermore, the state is looking to implement a more robust “Smart Policing” system. By using the newly inaugurated Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), the police can monitor sensitive areas with over 2,000 CCTV cameras. This technological edge is vital for detecting the movement of radical elements before they can execute any “conspiracy” plans.
The Political Implications of the Allegations
The Chief Minister’s remarks have naturally caused a stir in the political arena. Opposition leaders have questioned the timing of these disclosures, often accusing the ruling party of using security as an election plank. However, Sarma maintains that the threat is based on factual intelligence. He argues that ignoring the fundamentalist activity ahead of polls would be a disservice to the indigenous people of Assam.
The government’s mantra for the 2026 elections has already been defined as “Demography and Development.” Therefore, protecting the state from radical demographic shifts and extremist ideologies is a core part of the BJP’s campaign. Sarma reiterated that the state will not tolerate any “civilizational threat” that seeks to undermine Assamese culture and peace.
Conclusion: A State on High Alert
As the 10-month countdown to the elections begins, the atmosphere in Assam remains tense but vigilant. The fundamentalist activity ahead of polls serves as a reminder that peace is often fragile in border states. By bringing the issue into the public eye and involving the Union Home Ministry, Himanta Biswa Sarma has signaled that his administration is ready for a tough fight against radicalization.
The coming months will determine how effectively the state can dismantle these “conspiracy” networks. For now, the focus remains on maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that every citizen can vote in a safe and secure environment. As the Chief Minister stated, the government will take every necessary step to ensure that the “Amazon of the East” remains a land of progress, not a playground for extremists.
Read More: Chabimura Eco-Tourism Makeover: Tripura’s Hidden Gem Goes Global