Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 5 (HBTV): The Assam government has imposed a ban on the publication, circulation and possession of radical or ‘jihadi’ material linked to proscribed organisations such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS and other affiliated groups. The move aims to curb extremist propaganda and prevent youth from being influenced by radical content.
According to a notification issued by the Political (A) Department, the government has decided to prohibit the publication, printing, circulation, distribution, sale, exhibition, possession and storage, whether physical or digital, of any material associated with these organisations. The ban also extends to websites, social media pages, encrypted channels, online groups and digital platforms propagating such content.
The notification stated that the government has invoked Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 to enforce the restrictions for safeguarding internal security and preventing vulnerable youth from falling prey to extremist propaganda.
It said that Assam Police, Special Branch, the Crime Investigation Department, District Senior Superintendents of Police, Cyber Crime Units and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order and take legal action against violators.
The notification also noted that the banned outfits are proscribed under Section 35 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for engaging in activities prejudicial to India’s sovereignty, integrity and security. It referred to observations from the Judicial Department, highlighting that Section 98 of the BNSS empowers the State government to forfeit publications containing material punishable under laws related to promoting enmity between groups, acts against national integration and deliberate attempts to outrage religious feelings.
The government said intelligence inputs, cyber-patrolling findings and recent investigations by Assam Police and the Special Task Force (STF) indicate the continued circulation and digital transmission of radical literature and propaganda linked to these organisations.
It added that such material often glorifies violent jihad, promotes radicalisation, encourages ideological indoctrination and facilitates recruitment and incitement against the sovereignty of India, posing a threat to public order and communal harmony.
Earlier, several members of JMB, ABT, Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS and other radical groups were arrested by Assam Police. (ANI)