“I Am Not a Terrorist”: Why Is Victor Das Being Held Under NSA for Seeking Justice for Zubeen Garg?

The National Security Act (NSA) Advisory Board has confirmed the imposition of NSA charges against Victor Das- the outspoken youth who was arrested in connection with the violence that broke out during demonstrations demanding justice for late cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Victor Das, who has been in custody, was brought from the Central Jail on Saturday and produced before the NSA Advisory Board for a mandatory hearing. As per the legal provisions, any person detained under the NSA must be presented before the Advisory Board within a specific timeframe to determine whether the detention follows due process.

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The Board examined the case and upheld the government’s move, declaring the procedure valid. With this confirmation, Victor Das will remain under detention for a period of three months. The government will later decide whether to extend his detention or release him after the stipulated period.

Speaking to the media after being brought for the hearing, Victor Das said, “I am Victor Das, and I am not a terrorist. My protest was for the justice of our beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg’s mysterious death, and that truth must come out before the public as soon as possible.”

He further described the entire case against him as “a conspiracy,” maintaining that he had been falsely implicated. “I have done nothing that threatens national security,” he reiterated.

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Meanwhile, Victor’s mother expressed deep concern and disappointment after meeting her son. “I met him but wasn’t allowed to talk to him properly. I am shocked to learn that NSA charges have been imposed on him. Did he commit any crime that threatens the nation’s security? Whoever wants, they are doing such things,” she told reporters.

Earlier, on September 26, the Assam Police re-arrested music composer Ajoy Phukan and Victor Das after they were initially granted bail by the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, Kamrup (Metropolitan). Both were accused of creating unrest and inciting protests among Zubeen Garg’s followers, some of which reportedly turned violent outside the residence of Zubeen’s manager, Siddharth Sharma.

After their re-arrest, Ajoy Phukan had expressed outrage, saying, “A false case was filed against us. Even women were attacked by the Officer-in-Charge of Garchuk Police Station. Our actions were only out of respect for Zubeen Da. Now it is up to the people to rise for his justice; otherwise, the real culprits will go free.”

With the NSA Board now confirming the charges, Victor Das will continue to remain in custody under the stringent provisions of the National Security Act.