The woman, identified as Dadhichi Dimple (also known as Dimple Baruah), was apprehended by the Crime Branch in Guwahati and subsequently handed over to the Golaghat police for formal arrest.

The terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, predominantly tourists, sparking significant outrage across India. In response, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has mandated strict action against any social media posts perceived as sympathetic to Pakistan or detrimental to national sentiment.

Alongside Dimple Baruah, two others—Tahib Ali (arrested by Tamulpur police) and Bimal Mahato (arrested by Udalguri police)—have faced similar charges.

Chief Minister Sarma has firmly supported these arrests, including that of AIUDF legislator Aminul Islam, who was detained for allegedly making pro-Pakistan remarks. He stated, “Several individuals have been arrested, which is why Aminul Islam is in prison. I will continue to take action against those who make such statements.”

Emphasizing his government’s resolve, Sarma reiterated, “Assam will not tolerate anyone who, directly or indirectly, supports or defends Pakistan in relation to the heinous attack in Pahalgam.”

According to GTRI, Indian companies first send their products to these ports. An independent entity then offloads the shipments and stores them in bonded warehouses, allowing goods to remain duty-free while in transit.

GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava elaborated, “Within the bonded warehouse, the labels and documents are modified to indicate a different country of origin. For instance, products manufactured in India might be rebranded as ‘Made in UAE’ before being shipped to Pakistan, where direct trade with India is prohibited.” This practice enables companies to bypass trade restrictions, sell products at elevated prices through third countries, and minimize scrutiny by making the trade appear to originate from other nations.

In a related matter, Pakistani health authorities have begun implementing “emergency preparedness” measures to secure pharmaceutical supplies in light of suspended trade relations with India. Pakistan relies on India for 30% to 40% of its pharmaceutical raw materials, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and other advanced therapeutic products.

A report by Geo News noted that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) confirmed that, although no formal notification about the trade ban’s impact on the pharmaceutical sector has been issued, contingency plans are being activated. A senior DRAP official stated, “After the crisis in 2019, we began preparing for such eventualities and are currently exploring alternative sources to meet our pharmaceutical needs.”

The two-way trade between India and Pakistan had significantly diminished after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 due to measures taken by both nations. For the April-January 2024-25 period, India’s exports to Pakistan totaled USD 447.65 million, while imports were a mere USD 0.42 million. The figures for 2023-24 were USD 1.18 billion in exports and USD 2.88 million in imports.

Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka shared a video from a Pakistani news channel featuring CM Siddaramaiah’s comments on his X account. Referring to him as “Pakistan Ratna,” Ashoka sarcastically stated in Kannada (translated loosely), “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you have unexpectedly gained fame in Pakistan because of your juvenile and nonsensical remarks.”

“Congratulations! If you ever visit Pakistan, you can expect a grand reception. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Pakistani government honors you with their prestigious Nishan-e-Pakistan award for being a great ambassador of peace.”

Ashoka emphasized that during such a sensitive period for the nation, where tensions are high at the border, the CM is acting like a “puppet” for the enemy. “Your presence in public life is one of our country’s greatest misfortunes,” he added.

In response to the discussion about retaliating against Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, CM Siddaramaiah stated in Mysuru, “At this time, there is no need to declare war against Pakistan. We must implement stringent security measures instead. We advocate for peace, ensuring that people feel secure, and the Central government must take effective security measures.”

Addressing questions about the Central government acknowledging security lapses related to the Pahalgam attack, he remarked, “I have spoken about the security shortfalls that contributed to this tragedy. Proper arrangements were lacking at a tourist hotspot that draws large crowds. Given the previous loss of 40 soldiers in Pulwama, heightened vigilance was essential.”

He further articulated, “There were both intelligence and security failures. Many believed they were safe, but the Central government did not secure them. The trust placed in them has been betrayed.”

“No matter what measures are taken now, will the 26 lives lost in the Pahalgam attack be restored?” CM Siddaramaiah questioned.

When asked about the absence of security personnel at the site, he replied, “I’m not sure. I still need to speak with State Labour Minister Santosh Lad, who was dispatched to Kashmir for further information.” Minister Lad has since ensured the return of all stranded individuals from Karnataka.

On the subject of repatriating Pakistani nationals from the state, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “We will cooperate fully. We will provide information to the Central government and facilitate their return. I do not have precise data on the number of Pakistani nationals present in various cities of Karnataka, but there is a significant population in Bengaluru.”

Criticizing the Prime Minister, CM Siddaramaiah added, “The Prime Minister should have attended the all-party meeting called following the Pahalgam attack. They are misleading the public. Which matters more — the Bihar election campaign or the all-party meeting?”