Did the Gauhati HC Order the Release of AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gauhati High Court orders release of AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam.
- Islam was detained for over seven months under the National Security Act.
- His comments linked government officials to terrorist attacks.
- The court ruling highlights issues of free speech vs. national security.
- AIUDF leadership condemned Islam's remarks as inappropriate.
Guwahati, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Gauhati High Court has ordered the immediate release of Aminul Islam, a member of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), who has been held under the National Security Act (NSA) for over seven months.
A division bench comprising Justices Kalyan Rai Surana and Suresh Majumdar annulled the detention, paving the way for Islam's release once the necessary formalities are completed shortly.
Islam, the elected MLA representing the Dhing constituency in Assam, was originally arrested on April 14 of this year under the NSA.
His detention followed remarks he reportedly made, which were considered inflammatory and labeled as 'anti-national', inciting backlash from various factions.
This uproar originated from Islam's statements insinuating a connection between the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the 2019 Pulwama incident, suggesting a wider conspiracy by the government.
He called for an unbiased investigation and even implicated high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, in his claims of a cover-up.
These comments faced severe backlash, with detractors accusing him of stoking communal discord and jeopardizing national security.
The situation escalated after a video emerged on social media, allegedly depicting Islam making disparaging remarks and seemingly defending the individuals responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
According to law enforcement, this footage significantly influenced the decision to apply the NSA against him.
Nagaon Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka confirmed that the detention order was based on this alleged recording.
In response, AIUDF General Secretary Rafiqul Islam issued a statement denouncing the remarks attributed to Islam.
He emphasized that the legislator's comments were made in a personal capacity and described them as 'inappropriate', particularly during a time of national mourning.
With the High Court's ruling now nullifying the NSA detention, Islam's imprisonment is concluding, setting the stage for his release, pending essential legal and administrative steps.