The Assam government has completely banned the publication, printing, sale, distribution, display, possession, and collection of any radical or ‘jihadi’ literature associated with terrorist organizations.
Guwahati: The Assam government has taken a significant decision to curb the growing radical and jihadi propaganda in the state. The government has imposed a complete ban on the publication, sale, distribution, and collection of any ‘jihadi’ literature and digital content associated with terrorist organizations such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-al-Islam/pro-AQIS, and other associated banned groups.
This ban has been implemented under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), and its primary objective is stated to be safeguarding the state's youth from radical and violent propaganda. The notification issued by the state's Political (A) Department clarifies that this prohibition is not limited to books but also applies to all digital content such as magazines, websites, social media pages, encrypted channels, and online groups.
What the Notification States
The Assam government's notification explicitly states that this step has been taken to protect internal security and to safeguard easily influenced youth from extremist propaganda. According to the notification:
'Any inflammatory or jihadi literature, documents, material, or digital content related to Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-al-Islam/pro-AQIS, and any other associated banned organization shall be seized. These materials pose a threat to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India.'
The government further stated that this measure is crucial to prevent the increasing radical propaganda and violent jihadi activities in the state.
What does Prohibited Literature and Digital Content Contain?
According to the notification, the books, magazines, and digital content that have been banned typically include the following:
- Propagation of the glorification and legitimacy of violent jihad
- Attempts to radicalize youth and induct them into extremist ideologies
- Instructions for the training and operations of terrorist organizations
- Propaganda inciting against India's sovereignty and security
The government states that intelligence reports, cyber patrolling, and recent investigations by the Assam Police have revealed that these banned organizations are still disseminating jihadi literature and digital propaganda material in the state. This poses a serious threat to public order, internal security, and communal harmony. The Assam government has issued an order instructing the Assam Police, Special Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CID), Superintendents of Police of all districts, and the Cyber Crime Unit to strictly enforce this order. Strict legal action will be taken against violators.
It is noteworthy that previously, the Assam Police had also arrested several members of JMB, ABT, Ansar-al-Islam, and other radical groups. The central government has declared these organizations as terrorist organizations under Section 35 of the UAPA, 1967.
