Police forces across Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura have arrested 11 individuals so far for their alleged social media posts related to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pahalgam attack, which shocked the nation, saw coordinated action from authorities to prevent the spread of provocative or false information that could incite communal unrest. Officials confirmed that eight people have been arrested in Assam alone, while two were apprehended in Meghalaya and one in Tripura, in connection with objectionable or inflammatory online posts.
Swift Action by Assam Police
According to senior Assam Police officials, arrests were made across several districts, including Kamrup, Barpeta, Dhubri, and Darrang. The arrested individuals allegedly posted misleading narratives, communal comments, or graphic images relating to the Pahalgam incident, violating provisions under the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code.
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) G.P. Singh issued a strong warning on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Anyone found spreading misinformation, hatred, or inflammatory content online will face strict legal consequences. No one will be spared.” He further urged citizens to refrain from sharing unverified news and to maintain peace and harmony.
Officials said that Assam Police Cyber Cell teams have been monitoring social media platforms round the clock since the attack. Most arrests stemmed from complaints made by vigilant citizens and rapid digital forensic analysis conducted by the authorities.
Meghalaya and Tripura Also Tighten the Net
In Meghalaya, two arrests were made in East Khasi Hills district after individuals posted communal messages on Facebook and WhatsApp groups, allegedly aimed at disrupting social harmony. Meghalaya Police officials confirmed that more people are under surveillance, and further action will be taken if needed.
Similarly, in Tripura, one youth was arrested from West Tripura district for sharing provocative posts related to the Pahalgam incident. Police sources said the accused was running a WhatsApp group where several inflammatory videos were circulated.
Tripura Police appealed to the public to verify facts before posting anything on social media, stressing that spreading misinformation could lead to legal consequences under cybercrime laws.
Government’s Zero Tolerance Policy
The coordinated arrests across the northeastern states underscore the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward the spread of communal tension through social media. Authorities emphasized that at a time when the nation is mourning the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, misinformation campaigns could seriously damage social unity and create panic.
A senior home department official in Assam stated, “We are working closely with other northeastern states to ensure that law and order are not disturbed due to the misuse of social media platforms.”
Police forces have also launched an awareness campaign urging people not to fall for fake news and to rely only on verified government sources for updates on sensitive incidents.
Legal Implications for the Accused
The arrested individuals are likely to face multiple charges under Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), Section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Legal experts say that those convicted could face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
Police have also hinted at stricter monitoring of online activities in the coming weeks, especially with ongoing tensions in sensitive areas following the terror attack.
Public Appeal for Responsible Social Media Use
Authorities across Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura have appealed to the public to exercise restraint and responsibility while using social media. Special cyber teams have been tasked with not only monitoring but also running digital literacy programs in schools and colleges to educate young users about the dangers of misinformation.
As investigations continue, police have made it clear that more arrests could follow if further violations are detected. “Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to spread hatred,” said a senior Assam Police official, reiterating that the northeast remains committed to peace and communal harmony.
