The Gauhati High Court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) legislator Aminul Islam from detention. The court also directed that all charges under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against the Dhing MLA be quashed.
The division bench of Justice Kalyan Rai Surana and Justice Suresh Majumdar passed the order, setting aside the detention imposed on Aminul Islam, bringing relief to the legislator and his supporters.
Aminul Islam had been arrested in April this year over his alleged comments on the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives on April 22. Following his arrest by Nagaon Police on April 24, he was lodged in Nagaon Central Jail. Although he managed to secure bail in the initial case, he was immediately detained under the NSA on the same day. 
The legislator had been accused of making remarks that allegedly blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the attack, which authorities claimed could incite unrest. His detention under the NSA had drawn criticism from political leaders and civil rights groups, who argued that it was an excessive use of power against an elected representative.
Earlier this month, AIUDF had announced that Aminul Islam would contest the upcoming Assam Assembly elections from jail, highlighting the party’s support for their legislator amid legal challenges. With the court’s latest order, Aminul Islam is now free to participate in political activities and the party’s election campaign without restrictions.
The ruling is expected to have wider political implications in Assam, particularly for AIUDF, which has been actively preparing for the state elections and planning to contest 35 seats. Supporters of Aminul Islam welcomed the decision, expressing optimism that it would strengthen the party’s position in Nagaon and other constituencies.
