Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma here on Thursday said his government would take strongest action against all those who defend Pahalgam terror attack while pointing out that the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islam has been arrested by the Assam Police Crime Branch after highly controversial remarks alleging the involvement of the central government in recent and past terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Asserting that Assam will take the strongest possible action against anyone who dares to defend – directly or indirectly – the horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, Mr Sarma told reporters, “We have carefully examined the video of AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam and thereafter he has been arrested under sedition charges.”
Mr Islam said, “Back in 2019, when the Pulwama attack killed 42 CRPF jawans, I had said it was a conspiracy by the Centre to polarise the country before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and polarise the country before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and demanded an unbiased investigation.”
He further questioned the narrative around the recent Pahalgam attack, alleging that, “BJP has been saying that terrorists have checked whether one is Hindu or Muslim and shot only the non-muslims after identifying. However, survivors and victims have said no one was asked their names and that they were simply fired upon from a distance.”
He went on saying in his now viral video, “We suspect that what happened in Pahalgam is a similar conspiracy of the Centre to incite hatred and violence against Muslims across the country for political gain.”
The chief minister also issued a stern warning to individuals sympathising with Pakistan. “In the last two days, I’ve seen social media posts from some people within our own society supporting a hostile neighbour. Let me make it clear — they will not be spared,” he warned.
He added: “Let it be known clearly: those who attempt to justify, normalise or dilute the brutal murder of innocent civilians are not exercising freedom of expression – they are standing against the soul of India.”
Twenty-eight persons were killed and 17 others were injured in the terror attack on Tuesday. The attack took place in the Baisaran area of Anantnag district. Militants fired at tourists, most of whom were from outside the state.
Mr Sarma also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh from the Assam government to the family of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.
On being asked about his remark against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Mr Sarma clarified that he has not named any MP so far. He said, “A parliamentarian from the state had undertaken a 15-day visit to Islamabad in Pakistan without notifying Indian authorities.”
Pointing out that the individual is the son of a distinguished father, he said, “We possess evidence of his unauthorised 15-day stay in Islamabad. Additional proof exists. We shall present all evidence and reports to the public by September. Several significant revelations await disclosure.”
“The MP also has a relationship with the Pakistan embassy. Many more pieces of information will come to light,” he added.
He went on saying, “Pakistan remains our significant adversary, yet those within our borders who praise Pakistan pose an even greater threat. External threats are identifiable, while internal ones remain concealed.”
Mr Sarma also claimed that the wife of the MP was getting a salary from Pakistan. “We have evidence of all these and the Special Investigation Team was looking into it.”
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