Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma warns of NSA action over social media posts supporting Pakistan

 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched a scathing critique of former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, calling the 1960 signing of the Indus Waters Treaty “one of the greatest strategic blunders in India’s history.”

 In a hard-hitting statement, Sarma emphasized how Nehru, succumbing to immense pressure from the American administration and the World Bank, surrendered India’s natural upper riparian advantage — handing over more than 80% of the Indus basin waters to Pakistan.

 Detailing the grim impact, Sarma pointed out that India was left with just 33 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, compared to Pakistan’s staggering 135 MAF. “Full control over the mighty Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers was gifted away,” he said, adding that India was restricted to minor rights over the western rivers, crippling the water security of Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir.

 “The misplaced obsession with international approval came at the cost of India’s strategic and agricultural strength,” Sarma remarked, highlighting the treaty’s long-term damage to national interests.

Turning to the present, the Chief Minister hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “historic and corrective” decision to initiate India’s withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty. “By reclaiming sovereign rights over our rivers, Modi has not only undone a historic betrayal but has sent a powerful message that India will no longer reward terror with appeasement,” Sarma declared.

 He added that Modi’s move strikes a direct blow to Pakistan’s fragile economy, heavily reliant on Indus waters for over 75% of its agriculture, and signals the rise of an assertive, unapologetic India ready to defend its rightful interests.

 “After six decades, the shackles are being broken,” Sarma concluded. “A new era has begun.”

 In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a strong warning against any online expressions deemed “anti-national,” particularly content supporting Pakistan. The warning comes amid heightened national security concerns following the April 22 assault that left 26 civilians dead in Jammu and Kashmir.

 Addressing the media in Guwahati on Saturday, the Chief Minister revealed that a youth from Hajo, in Kamrup district, had been arrested earlier in the day for allegedly sharing pro-Pakistan content on social media.

 “The state government is keeping a close watch on all digital platforms,” CM Sarma stated. “Anyone who supports Pakistan directly or indirectly will be dealt with under the National Security Act (NSA). Strict action will be taken against such individuals.”

 The Chief Minister’s remarks were made shortly after the unveiling of the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming Panchayat elections in Assam. The launch event took place at the party headquarters in Guwahati, where Sarma was joined by Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia.

Assam’s Panchayat elections are scheduled in two phases, on May 2 and May 7, with vote counting to be held on May 11.

 This development follows the terror strike at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where militants opened fire on tourists. Among the 26 victims was a Nepali national, and several others sustained critical injuries. The attack has sparked nationwide condemnation and renewed concerns over internal security and radical online behaviour.