Assam: 3 Muslim students arrested for allegedly planning NEET protest
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Assam: Three young men from Laluk in Assam's Lakhimpur district were arrested on July 23 for allegedly trying to organise a protest in support of the nationwide youth movement.
The arrested men have been identified as Monjur Rahman, 23, Ashraful Islam, 21, and Abdul Kashem, 23, all residents of Islampur village under the jurisdiction of Laluk Police Station. According to their families, the three had created a WhatsApp group to organise a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with the movement, which has since led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Monjur Rahman, a master's student in commerce, was reportedly working in his family's agricultural field when police summoned him on the afternoon of July 22. His father, Mozibur Rahman, questioned the grounds for his arrest.
“My son has not done anything unconstitutional by trying to organise a protest,” Mozibur told.
“Youths across the country are protesting. They are not being arrested. My son had not even held a demonstration yet. He only tried to organise one,” he added.
Another arrested youth, Ashraful Islam, is also pursuing an M.Com degree. His father, Ayub Ali, said police took Ashraful from near their home at around midnight on July 23.
“My son is very bright and obedient. He cannot be involved in any criminal activities as the case alleges,” Ayub Ali told The Wire.
“People from other communities are not being arrested. But we are Muslims. That is why they are targeting us,” he alleged.
Abdul Kashem is a graduate in pharmaceutical science. While awaiting his licence to practise, he works as a teacher at a private school. He appeared at Laluk Police Station with a friend after being summoned by the police on July 22.
According to his family members, police had initially informed them that he would be released the following morning after routine questioning.
“When we visited the police station again the next morning, the police informed us that he would be sent to jail,” Kashem's father, Nurul Islam, told The Wire.
All three families said that before their arrests, the youths had sought permission from Laluk Police Station to hold the proposed protest, but the authorities denied permission.
According to a copy of the notice addressed to their guardians and seen by The Wire, the three youths were arrested on July 23 under Sections 61(2)(b), 353(1) and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 152 deals with acts alleged to endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, including incitement to secession, armed rebellion or separatist activities.
Family members said police had sought custody of the accused for further interrogation, but the court rejected the request and remanded them to judicial custody.
“The police wanted them in police remand, but the judge denied it,” Ayub Ali said.
Simanta Pathak, officer-in-charge of Laluk Police Station, confirmed the case. “I can give you more updates once I get permission from my in-charge,” he said.