The Assam government has imposed a blanket ban on all forms of literature, documents and digital content connected to fundamentalist and extremist organisations, including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS and other affiliated banned groups.
The prohibition, issued on Wednesday through a Political Department notification under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, restricts the publication, sale, possession, storage and distribution — both physical and digital — of any radical or “jihadi” material associated with these organisations. The order was issued on the advice of the Assistant Inspector General of Police and based on inputs from the judicial department.
The notification emphasised that these organisations had been declared terrorist groups by the Central government for activities “prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of India.” Intelligence reports, cyber monitors and ongoing investigations by Assam Police and the Special Task Force indicated continued circulation and possession of radical content linked to the groups, officials said.
According to the state government, such materials glorify violent jihad, promote radicalisation, offer ideological indoctrination and even provide recruitment pathways and operational guidance, posing a grave threat to internal security, public order and communal harmony. The circulation of such content, the order stated, violates several legal provisions and increases the risk of vulnerable youth being drawn into extremist ideologies.
In addition to printed materials, the ban extends to all online and digital platforms, including websites, social media accounts, encrypted groups, messaging channels and any other digital medium used to disseminate extremist propaganda.
Law enforcement agencies — including the Special Branch, CID, district SSPs, cybercrime units and Assam Police — have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order and initiate legal action against anyone found violating the ban.
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