Muslim Legislator in Assam Arrested for Alleging False Flag in Pahalgam

Aminul Islam, a Muslim legislator from Assam's Dhing constituency was arrested for "provocative speech" after saying that the recent attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir may have been a "false flag operation" by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The attack on April 22 killed 26, mostly tourists.

In a political meeting attended by farmers on April 23, Islam likened the reasoning for the Pahalgam incident to that of the 2019 Pulwama bombing, stating that there are reasons to believe both instances may have been politically driven. "The survivors describe indiscriminate firing, but the BJP does not see it that way, claiming the firing was selective. Where is the neutral inquiry?” he added, once again expressing his long-held doubts in relation to the Pulwama bombing inquiry. He expressed that using the attack in an election campaign would lead to a negative appraisal of communities.

Islam’s All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) rode quickly to distance itself from his comments. Party leader Badruddin Ajmal called terrorism “religion-less” and clearly stated Islam’s remarks were his own, not necessarily the party view.

Assam Police booked Islam under Indian Penal Code sections 152 (the attempt to undermine the unity of the nation), 196 (promoting enmity), and 113(3) (conspiracy related to terrorism) alleging that...his speech posed a threat to public order. The administration said such demands could harm communal harmony, especially as elections approach.