Indian professor arrested over social media post on military operation
Al JazeeraMAY 18
India: Professor Arrested Over Military Operation Comments
Above: Railway police force personnel participate in the nationwide mock civil defense drill at Lucknow railway station on May 07, 2025 in Lucknow, India. Image copyright: Ritesh Shukla/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The professor's comments undermined national security and military morale during a sensitive operation. By questioning the military's press briefing and linking it to communal issues, Mahmudabad attempted to create social discord and promote anti-national sentiment. His posts crossed the line between academic freedom and national security concerns.
Government-critical narrative
This arrest is a clear violation of academic freedom and the right to free speech. The professor's comments were a thoughtful critique of social issues and military operations, advocating for peace while supporting the armed forces. Actions against Mahmudabad are part of a pattern of the use of state machinery to silence intellectual discourse and suppress legitimate criticism of government policies.