Authorities in India’s northeastern state of Assam have arrested 81 people for allegedly expressing pro-Pakistan sentiments online, following last month’s deadly flare-up between the two countries, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday.Sarma, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist ruling party, said in a statement that these individuals were detained for “sympathising with Pakistan,” referring to them as “anti-nationals.” He added, “Our systems are constantly monitoring social media for anti-national content and taking action.”One of those arrested was taken into custody after sharing a post featuring a Pakistani flag on Instagram, Assam police told AFP. No additional details were provided about the others detained.The arrests come amid a broader crackdown on social media activity since an April 22 militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in decades. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the Islamist militants behind the attack — allegations that Islamabad denied. A four-day military confrontation followed, the most intense standoff between the nuclear-armed rivals since 1999, ending with a ceasefire on May 10.Separately, India’s counter-terrorism agency last month arrested a paramilitary police officer for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Local media also reported that at least 10 other individuals were detained in May on espionage charges.In addition to the social media crackdown, Chief Minister Sarma has renewed efforts to address illegal immigration in Assam, a state that shares a long, porous border with Muslim-majority Bangladesh. Indian media outlets have reported that the Assam government has rounded up dozens of suspected Bangladeshi nationals and forced them across the border in recent weeks.The Times of India reported on Saturday that at least 49 people were pushed back across the frontier between May 27 and 29, describing them as left in “no-man’s land.”Relations between India and Bangladesh have grown increasingly strained since an uprising toppled the Bangladeshi government last year. Bangladesh has since strengthened ties with China and Pakistan.
