Is Assam Facing a Surge of Fundamentalist Activity from Foreign Social Media Accounts?
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Synopsis
In a concerning revelation, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma alerts the public about the alarming rise of foreign-operated social media accounts promoting extremist ideologies ahead of the Assembly elections. This situation requires urgent attention from security agencies and citizens alike.
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM warns of foreign social media influence.
- 5,000 new accounts identified with extremist focus.
- Forensic audit links over 2,000 accounts to foreign nations.
- Concerns raised about national security amid elections.
- Calls for action from security agencies and public vigilance.
Guwahati, June 20 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns on Friday regarding a surge of “Islamic fundamentalist” social media activity aimed at the state, especially with the impending Assembly elections approaching.
CM Sarma pointed out that approximately 5,000 social media accounts have been recently activated, all focusing solely on Assam and showing little interest in national matters.
“These accounts avoid discussing wider national issues. Their sole focus is on Assam and the Assam Congress, which is a significant warning sign,” he stated, urging both security forces and citizens to approach the situation with a national security perspective.
He also highlighted alarming narratives circulating globally, such as claims that “if you cut the chicken neck, Assam will be independent or can be captured,” signaling that Assam has been part of an “unfinished agenda” for certain foreign entities.
According to CM Sarma, a forensic examination by the Assam government into the new Facebook accounts revealed that 2,092 were linked to foreign sources.
Of these, 700 accounts were traced back to Bangladesh, 350 to Pakistan, over 500 to the Middle East, and smaller clusters from nations such as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even the United States and Australia.
Additionally, 292 accounts were flagged without specified locations.
“These accounts are primarily engaged in promoting extremist ideologies,” CM Sarma remarked.
“The content they share ranges from calls for the destruction of Israel to advocating for religious obligations like mandatory Umrah visits. Most of them tend to like or follow pages related to Assam Congress, which raises serious concerns.”
He emphasized that while these accounts are tied to a specific religious community, the apprehension is not about communalism but about their alleged connections to radical factions.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the existence of such elements in Assam before the elections is a matter of great importance. “This transcends a mere electoral issue — it’s a matter of national security,” he insisted.
Point of View
It is essential to remain vigilant regarding such developments, which pose threats to national stability. The rise of foreign-operated accounts aimed at inciting unrest in Assam must be met with robust scrutiny and action from security agencies, ensuring the safety of the region and its democratic processes.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Assam's CM to raise concerns?
Assam's CM Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns due to the emergence of approximately 5,000 foreign-operated social media accounts promoting extremist ideologies, especially ahead of the state elections.
What were the findings of the forensic audit?
The forensic audit revealed that 2,092 out of the new accounts had direct foreign links, with most traced back to countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and various Middle Eastern nations.
Are these accounts linked to any specific ideology?
Yes, CM Sarma indicated that these accounts primarily promote extremist ideologies and often engage with content related to the Assam Congress.
How does this issue relate to national security?
The presence of foreign-operated accounts promoting extremist narratives poses a significant concern for national security, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.
What actions are being taken about this situation?
The Chief Minister has urged security agencies and the public to treat this issue seriously and monitor these accounts closely.
