Indian police arrests six Kashmiris in latest crackdown on social media in IIOJK
Srinagar: In its latest crackdown on digital expression in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian police, acting on the orders of New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, have arrested six Kashmiris in Budgam district for allegedly using social media to promote pro-freedom narratives.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the individuals, identified as Hilal Ahmad Dar (Sholipora), Owais Ahmad Khan (Soibugh Daharmuna), Suhail Ahmad Sheikh (Batpora), Umar Shafi Sofi (Ompora), Mohammad Amir Khan (Ichkoot), and Shahid Mir (Sheikhpora Chatterhama), were arrested for using fake social media accounts to share content that allegedly glorifies pro-freedom activities, a claim often frequently used by occupation authorities to justify repressive actions in IIOJK.
The police have justified these actions as part of a broader strategy to prevent the misuse of social media platforms, with police claiming that these individuals’ actions could potentially disturb public peace and incite disruptive activities. Legal action under preventive detention laws has been initiated against these individuals, and authorities have stressed that strict legal consequences will follow for those found sharing illegal or disruptive content.
Critics argue that this crackdown is yet another step toward suppressing voices of dissent, and curbing the freedom of social media users who express views that challenge the narrative pushed by the state.
