The Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated legal action against three individuals of Kashmiri origin residing abroad, accusing them of running a coordinated campaign to misuse social media platforms. The case, filed by Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), alleges that the accused were involved in a conspiracy to disrupt public order and incite violence in the region.
Details of the Accused and the FIR
The First Information Report (FIR) names Mubeen Ahmad Shah and Azizul Hassan Ashai (also known as Tony Ashai), both residents of Srinagar currently based in the United States, along with Rifat Wani from Kupwara, who is based in Germany. The CIK, which is the intelligence wing of the J&K Police, registered the case based on what it termed "credible intelligence inputs." These inputs reportedly revealed a "well-orchestrated conspiracy by unscrupulous anti-social and anti-national elements" allegedly acting under the guidance of secessionist forces from within and outside the Kashmir Valley.
The Allegations: Masquerading and Misinformation
According to the police investigation, the accused were allegedly posing as news portals, journalists, and freelancers. Their real objective, as claimed by the CIK, was to weaponise platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp. They are accused of creating, uploading, and circulating content described as fake, motivated, exaggerated, secessionist, and deliberately taken out of context.
The police statement elaborated that the deliberate aim of this digital campaign was to incite street violence, disrupt normal civilian life, damage public property, disturb public order, and fuel mass unrest. The ultimate goal, as per the authorities, was to promote anti-national sentiments and advance a secessionist agenda designed to create disaffection against India.
Legal Proceedings and Court Proclamation
The case has been registered under several serious sections of the law. These include Sections 153-A (promoting enmity between groups) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Section 13 of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Following the registration of the case and the issuance of arrest warrants, the accused persons allegedly went underground and are currently absconding to evade legal process. Taking note of this, the court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar has issued a formal proclamation under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
This proclamation directs the three accused individuals to present themselves before the court on or before January 31, 2026. The police have stated that despite being declared absconders, the accused remain highly active on social media, persistently peddling what they call false and provocative content with the intention of inciting large-scale violence and destabilising public order in Jammu and Kashmir.
