Assam bans radical literature linked to outlawed groups

The Assam government has banned all forms of radical and “jihadist” literature associated with outlawed extremist organisations by invoking Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) of 2023.

The December 3 notification issued by the State’s Political (A) Department prohibits the “publication, printing, circulation, distribution, sale, exhibition, possession and storage, whether physical or digital, of any radical or jihadi literature, documents, materials, or digital content” associated with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-al-Islam/pro-AQIS, and similar banned outfits.

The order followed a communication from the Assam Police and observations from the Judicial Department, warning that such literature threatens India’s sovereignty, internal security, communal harmony, and public order. The notification underscored the status of these organisations as terrorist groups under Section 35 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The government noted that intelligence reports, cyber-patrolling inputs and recent investigations by the Assam Police and its Special Task Force indicate continued circulation and possession of radical publications in print and digital formats. The banned content reportedly glorifies violent jihad, providing ideological indoctrination, offering operational guidance, and encouraging recruitment into extremist networks.

The notification also stated that such content violates several legal provisions, including Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (objectionable content) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act (transmission of objectionable electronic material). It cited Sections 98 and 99 of the BNSS, empowering the State to order the immediate forfeiture of such content.

The Judicial Department said the continued availability of such propaganda risks radicalising vulnerable youth and aggravating social discord. The government emphasised that promoting enmity between groups, disrupting national integration, or insulting religious beliefs — offences under Sections 196, 197 and 299 of BNS — necessitate strict preventive action.