Key Takeaways
- J&K Police register FIR against individuals for circulating separatist content on social media
- The FIR is registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which prohibits the promotion and support of terrorist and separatist activities in India
- The circulation of separatist content on social media can incite public disaffection and disturb public order, undermining national integration
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case against certain individuals for allegedly circulating and disseminating videos on digital and social media platforms that promote separatist ideology and spread false information, officials said on Thursday.
The FIR was registered on Wednesday in the Cyber Police Station Srinagar under cognisable offences punishable under Section 13(2) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, along with Sections 152, 196(1), and 353(1)(b), (c), and (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
A police officer said the action was taken after reliably learning that certain social media users uploaded and disseminated videos intended to promote separatist ideology, prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
“The said content also reflected elements of promoting and glorifying the unlawful activities of the banned organization Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, along with the dissemination of false and misleading information, and attempts to incite hatred and enmity on the basis of caste, colour, and language,” the officer said.
A preliminary enquiry revealed that the circulation of the material was a deliberate attempt to propagate separatist and secessionist narratives through digital media platforms.
“These activities have the potential to incite public disaffection, disturb public order, and undermine national integration,” the officer said, adding that after the registration of an FIR, an Inspector-rank officer was entrusted with the investigation.
While the FIR does not name any individuals, PDP leader Iltija Mufti recently posted an old video of late hardline separatist leader and Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani on X on the significance of Urdu. Over the last few days, Iltija has targeted J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for proposing to “remove” Urdu as a qualification for recruitment to revenue posts.
