Assam Government Implements Complete Ban on Extremist Literature Under BNSS to Protect National Security

Guwahati:

The Assam government has enacted a comprehensive prohibition on all radical and jihadi literature connected to banned extremist organizations, utilizing Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

On December 3, the Political (A) Department released a notification that forbids publishing, circulating, selling, storing, and digitally sharing any materials associated with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS, and other similar outlawed groups.

According to government sources, intelligence reports, cyber-patrolling data, and recent investigations conducted by Assam Police and the Special Task Force have revealed ongoing circulation and possession of radical content in both print and digital formats.

The prohibited materials reportedly contain content that glorifies violent jihad, provides ideological indoctrination, offers operational guidance, and encourages recruitment into extremist networks.

This directive follows communications from the Assam Police's Law & Order branch and assessments from the Judicial Department, both indicating that such literature constitutes a serious threat to India's sovereignty, internal security, communal harmony, and public order.

Authorities have emphasized that these organizations are already classified as terrorist groups under Section 35 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The notification also indicates that such content violates multiple legal provisions, including Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (regarding objectionable content) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act (concerning transmission of objectionable electronic material). Furthermore, it qualifies as objectionable under Sections 98 and 99 of BNSS, which authorizes the State to order immediate forfeiture.

In its assessment, the Judicial Department stated that the continued availability of such propaganda risks radicalizing vulnerable youth and worsening social discord.

The government has underscored that promoting enmity between groups, disrupting national integration, or insulting religious beliefs—offenses under Sections 196, 197, and 299 of BNS—require strict preventive measures.