In a major crackdown on anti-national propaganda and secessionist misinformation, the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, has issued a proclamation against three accused, including a female.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a CIK spokesman said that the proclamation notice was issued against the three accused, Mubeen Ahmad Shah, son of late Ali Mohammad Shah, Azizul Hassan Ashai @ Tony Ashai, son of Nazir Ahmad Ashai, both residents of Dock Wali Colony, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar and Rifat Wani, daughter of Ghulam Mohammad Wani, of Trehgam, Kupwara.
The spokesman said that the notice was issued under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 against the accused in connection with FIR No. 07/2020 of Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK).
“The case relates to serious offences under Sections 153-A and 505 of the IPC and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). It was registered following credible intelligence inputs that revealed a well-orchestrated conspiracy by anti-social and anti-national elements acting at the behest of secessionist forces operating within and outside the Valley,” the spokesman said, adding, “Investigations have uncovered that the accused were masquerading as news portals, journalists and freelancers, while allegedly misusing social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp to create and circulate fake, motivated, exaggerated and out-of-context content.”
“The objective of this digital misinformation campaign, investigators said, was to incite street violence, disrupt normal life, damage public property, disturb public order and fuel mass unrest, thereby promoting anti-national sentiments and a secessionist agenda,” the spokesman said.
“The accused were actively propagating content prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India and spreading false and fabricated narratives with the intent of instigating disaffection against the Union of India,” he said, adding, “After warrants of arrest were issued, the accused allegedly went underground and are absconding to evade the process of law. Taking serious note of their deliberate evasion, the Special NIA Court has now issued a proclamation under Section 82 CrPC, directing them to appear before the court on or before January 31, 2026. Failure to comply will invite proceedings under Section 83 CrPC, including attachment of property.”
“Despite being declared absconders, the accused continue to remain active on social media platforms and persist in spreading provocative and misleading content aimed at inciting violence and destabilising public order in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesman said, adding, “The Counter Intelligence Kashmir reiterated its resolve to act firmly against all elements involved in anti-national propaganda and digital subversion, warning that such unlawful activities will be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.”—
