GUWAHATI : The Assam Government has announced a comprehensive ban on all radical and jihadi publications associated with proscribed extremist organisations, invoking Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. A notification issued on December 3 by the Political (A) Department directs immediate prohibition and forfeiture of such material across the State.

According to the order, no individual or entity may publish, distribute, sell, possess or circulate-physically or digitally-any literature linked to Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS or other banned outfits.

The decision follows inputs from the Assam Police Law & Order division and the Judicial Department warning that the continued spread of extremist propaganda poses a direct threat to national security, communal harmony and public order.

Officials noted that intelligence inputs, cyber-monitoring and recent investigations conducted by Assam Police and the Special Task Force suggested ongoing circulation of radical content. The material reportedly includes jihadist indoctrination, recruitment manuals and operational guidance meant to influence vulnerable individuals and strengthen extremist networks.

The notification asserts that such content falls foul of multiple legal provisions, including Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 67 of the IT Act relating to dissemination of objectionable electronic material. Sections 98 and 99 of the BNSS provide the legal basis for seizure and forfeiture of such publications.

The Judicial Department emphasised that the presence of extremist literature could deepen social tensions, promote enmity between communities and undermine national integration-offences covered under Sections 196, 197 and 299 of the BNS. The government has therefore extended the ban to digital spaces including websites, social media platforms, online forums, messaging groups and any encrypted distribution channels.

Assam Police, along with CID, Special Branch, district police units and cybercrime cells, have been tasked with strict enforcement. Authorities may initiate legal action against individuals or organisations found storing, sharing or producing banned content.

The directive comes into immediate effect.

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