In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, authorities have arrested 19 individuals across Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya for allegedly making inflammatory or anti-national remarks on social media. The arrested individuals include a sitting legislator, a journalist, students, a lawyer, and retired teachers.

In Assam, 14 people were detained, including AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam. Tripura saw the arrest of four individuals, among them retired teachers Jawhar Debnath, Kuldip Mandal, and Sajal Chakraborty. Meghalaya reported one arrest.

The arrests were made under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), following complaints about social media posts that allegedly glorified terrorism or incited communal disharmony.

The Pahalgam attack occurred on April 22, 2025, when militants opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years.

Following the incident, the Indian government has intensified its efforts to monitor and regulate online content related to terrorism. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution on social media, warning that sharing or endorsing extremist content can lead to legal consequences.

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The arrests have sparked discussions about the balance between national security and freedom of expression. While some civil liberties advocates express concern over potential overreach, officials maintain that these measures are necessary to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and maintain public order.​