Srinagar: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Tuesday said a Srinagar resident has been arrested for uploading extremist content on social media.
In a statement, a spokesman said a team of CIK “successfully identified and apprehended an individual operating a radical social media handle on Facebook, ‘Shaddy Kashmir Dryfruits’, which was being used to disseminate extremist content with an intention to disturb peace.”
He said that following social media surveillance, the team made the arrest.
“Upon receiving input about the online activity, a swift investigation was launched, social media handle was resolved leading to the identification of the suspect as Showkat Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar, a resident of Doodh Mohalla, Shalimar, Srinagar,” read the statement.
Dar, as per the statement, was found to be actively engaged in posting and sharing content aimed at glorifying terrorism, terrorist commanders and inciting anti-national sentiments among young minds.
“Efforts to track the suspect were initially hindered due to his constant movement and change of location. However, a well-coordinated strategy was implemented on ground to apprehend him along with his electronic device.”
A preliminary inspection of the digital devices revealed access to the radical Facebook account, along with incriminating materials, including a video of slain terrorist commander Zakir Musa and other extremist propaganda, read the statement.
Dar, as per the statement, has a history of radical activities. He was previously arrested in 2019 by Harwan Police Station of Srinagar for involvement in stone-pelting incidents. Additionally, in 2022, he was detained by Cyber Police Station Srinagar for engaging in the online dissemination of radical content.
“On the request of intelligence agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, all the social media service providers have established special units to monitor the radical propaganda especially in J&K. The moment any such radical activity is witnessed by their monitoring unit, it is reported to the security agencies immediately,” added the statement.
These joint actions by security and intelligence agencies in Jammu and Kashmir in coordination with The Special Monitoring units of social media companies, have been responsible in busting many radical modules and identifying potential terrorists, it added.
