Srinagar, Jan 13, KDC: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has executed proclamation proceedings against three absconding accused involved in a serious case of unlawful activities and digital propaganda.
The proclamation was carried out in compliance with the orders of the Court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act at Srinagar. The action was undertaken in areas falling under the jurisdiction of District Srinagar and District Kupwara in connection with FIR No. 07/2020, registered at Police Station CIK under Sections 153-A and 505 of the IPC and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The absconding accused have been identified as Mubeen Ahmad Shah of Buchwara, Srinagar; Aziz-ul-Hassan Ashai alias Tony Ashai of Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar; and Rifat Wani of Trehgam, Kupwara.
CIK in a statement to news agency Kashmir Dot Com said that the case pertains to grave offences posing a serious threat to public order, communal harmony and national integrity. Investigations have revealed a well-planned conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by anti-social and anti-national elements acting at the behest of secessionist forces operating from within and outside the Kashmir Valley.
They said the accused deliberately posed as journalists, freelancers and operators of news portals, while in reality running a covert digital propaganda campaign. By misusing social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, they allegedly created and circulated fake, exaggerated, motivated and secessionist content with the intent to incite street violence, disrupt normal civic life, damage public property and fuel mass unrest.
CIK said the objective of the campaign was to provoke disaffection against the Union of India and destabilise peace in the region. Reiterating that freedom of expression cannot be misused as a tool for anti-national activities, the agency warned that individuals or groups attempting to camouflage unlawful acts under the garb of journalism or online activism will face strict legal action.
The proclamation order of the court states that if the absconding accused fail to appear before the court within the stipulated period, their movable and immovable properties shall be attached strictly in accordance with law.
Counter Intelligence Kashmir said the action sends a clear message that those exploiting digital platforms to spread hatred, misinformation, communal disharmony or anti-national propaganda are under constant surveillance and will be dealt with firmly under the law.
