Assam: Dibrugarh issues strict order against possession of radical propaganda material
Guwahati, May 13
The Dibrugarh district administration in Assam has issued a stringent directive prohibiting the publication, circulation, possession and storage of extremist or jihadi material linked to banned organisations, officials said on Wednesday.
According to an official order issued from the office of the District Magistrate of Dibrugarh, the restriction has been imposed under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in reference to a government notification dated December 3, 2025.
The order bans the printing, publication, circulation, distribution, sale, exhibition, possession and storage of radical literature, documents, pamphlets, posters, audio-visual material and digital content associated with proscribed extremist organisations.
Officials said the directive specifically names terror-linked outfits such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Ansar-Al-Islam, along with other affiliated or similar banned organisations.
The administration has also extended the prohibition to online platforms, including websites, social media pages, encrypted messaging channels, online discussion groups and other digital mediums that propagate extremist ideology or circulate content linked to such organisations.
In a communication addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Dibrugarh, the district administration directed law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the order and initiate immediate legal action against violators.
Police authorities have additionally been instructed to identify cases involving the circulation or possession of banned content and submit detailed reports regarding action taken to the office of the District Magistrate.
Officials said the move had been undertaken as part of preventive security measures aimed at curbing the spread of radicalisation, extremist propaganda and unlawful activities in the district.
Security agencies in Assam have intensified surveillance in recent years over alleged attempts by extremist groups to use digital platforms and online networks for recruitment, dissemination of propaganda and mobilisation of sympathisers.
The state government has repeatedly maintained that strict action would be taken against activities threatening public order, communal harmony and national security.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good step but I hope they don't misuse this against peaceful activists or journalists questioning government policies. Already seen instances where vague terrorism laws are used to silence dissent. Need proper oversight and judicial review.
Exactly what Dibrugarh needed! As someone from Tinsukia, I've seen firsthand how these radical elements operate through local madrassas and online groups. Section 98 BNSS gives enough teeth to act. But also need community policing and de-radicalization programs alongside legal measures.
Good move! But what about the growing Hindutva radical literature in some areas? Should be equally applied to all extremist content regardless of ideology. National security cannot be selective.
Section 98 BNSS gives magistrates power to seize printed material even before circulation. Very powerful tool if used properly. But need trained officers who can distinguish between genuine religious literature and propaganda. Last thing we want is harassment of innocent people.
This is essential. The digital angle is huge - I've seen how these groups use encrypted apps to spread hate and recruit vulnerable youth. But also need to address root causes like unemployment and lack of education that make people susceptible to radicalization. Police action alone won't solve it.
D Deepika L < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.