A professor at Ashoka University, a prestigious liberal arts institution in India, has been arrested for a social media post related to military briefings on a recent operation against Pakistan. This arrest comes more than a week after both nations, which are nuclear-armed, agreed to a ceasefire.
Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who teaches political science, was taken into custody in New Delhi on Sunday. Authorities charged him under laws concerning activities that disturb communal harmony, incite rebellion, or insult religious beliefs.
His arrest follows a complaint filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the general secretary of the BJP’s youth wing in Haryana, as reported by local media. Mahmudabad’s comments were scrutinized after the Haryana State Commission for Women summoned him, in light of his remarks about military briefings from the Indian armed forces regarding operations in Pakistan.
On May 8, Mahmudabad took to Facebook, expressing concern over the lack of attention given to victims of violence linked to the ruling party, despite praise for women soldiers who conducted the briefings. He questioned the sincerity of celebrating the accomplishments of female military officers if society fails to protect all citizens.
Local reports indicate that the Haryana Women’s Commission criticized his statements, claiming they disparaged women in the armed forces and fostered communal unrest. Mahmudabad defended his post, stating that it focused on the protection of both civilians and soldiers and did not contain any anti-women sentiment.
This incident comes amid wider concerns about safety and rights for Muslim communities in India. Human rights group Amnesty International has called for an end to the “unjust targeted demolition” of properties linked to Muslims, viewing it as a form of discrimination.
Despite a Supreme Court order halting such demolitions, local authorities have been accused of bypassing due process. The ruling government has faced allegations of enabling violent actions by Hindu vigilante groups against Muslims.
Mahmudabad’s case has garnered support from professors and activists across India. An open letter signed by about 1,200 individuals defended him, asserting that his comments recognized the efforts of the armed forces while emphasizing the importance of preserving a secular vision for the country.
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan, announced on May 10, ended a series of missile and drone strikes along their border, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.
