Guwahati: The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) has strongly condemned the arrest of Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), calling it a blatant act of injustice and a deliberate attack on minority-led institutions.
In a statement, SIO criticized the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing it of systematically targeting Muslim institutions. The organization alleged that the arrest was part of a broader effort to suppress initiatives that empower marginalized communities.
“The BJP-led Assam government has repeatedly weaponized state power to push its divisive agenda. First, they spread misinformation about ‘fake degrees’ and ‘flood jihad.’ Now, they are cracking down on educational institutions that uplift minorities. The message is clear: they do not want Muslims to rise,” the statement read.
SIO reaffirmed its solidarity with Mahbubul Hoque and the students of USTM, demanding his immediate release and an end to what it described as “targeted harassment.” The organization also vowed to continue its fight for education, justice, and dignity, stating that it would not allow Assam to become a battleground for communal politics.
