Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that another individual, identified as Farijul Haque from Mangaldai in Darrang district, has been arrested for alleged pro-Pakistan sympathies. This brings the total number of such arrests in the state to 79 since the Pahalgam terror attack last month.
"Crackdown on pro-Pakistani sympathisers. Total arrests made: 79," Sarma posted on 'X' on Friday.
The chief minister reiterated that the state-wide crackdown on individuals involved in "anti-India and pro-Pakistan activities" would continue, with no leniency extended. Police action has been initiated against those allegedly indulging in such activities, with some facing charges under the National Security Act (NSA).
Among the notable arrests is AIUDF legislator Aminul Islam, who was initially detained on sedition charges for allegedly defending Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. After being granted bail, he was subsequently booked under the NSA.
Earlier on April 24, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made it clear, categorically naming AIDUF MLA Aminul Islam, stating,
“I have instructed Assam Police to take the strictest possible action against anyone supporting Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Hon’ble MLA Aminul Islam has been arrested today on sedition charges. Nobody will be spared.”
Also read: CRPF jawan arrested in Delhi for spying for Pakistan since 2023
The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, mostly tourists, prompting heightened security measures and increased vigilance in neighbouring states, including Assam.
As of May 2025, Indian security agencies have apprehended over 100 individuals across various states for alleged espionage activities linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These arrests have intensified in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 28 lives and heightened national security concerns.
Among the notable arrests is Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, who allegedly shared sensitive military information with Pakistani operatives. Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel 'Travel with Jo', reportedly met a Pakistani intelligence official named Danish during her travels, leading to her involvement in espionage activities. She was arrested in May 2025 and is currently in judicial custody.
In Gujarat, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Labhshankar Maheshwari, a 53-year-old man granted Indian citizenship in 2005. Maheshwari is accused of aiding Pakistani intelligence by sending tracking malware to Indian defence personnel via WhatsApp.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also made significant arrests in connection with a naval espionage case involving the leakage of sensitive information from Karwar and Kochi naval bases. Three contract employees, Vethan Laxman Tandel, Akshay Ravi Naik, and Abhilash PA, were arrested for allegedly sharing classified naval data with Pakistani operatives.
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