Cops conduct searches across Valley over social media misuse

The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday conducted searches at multiple locations across the Valley in connection with a case involving the alleged misuse of social media, a police spokesperson said.

The searches were carried out in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Handwara, and Shopian after obtaining search warrants from the Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar.

During the raids, seven suspects were detained for questioning, and incriminating digital evidence relevant to the investigation was seized, the spokesperson added.

The case was registered following credible inputs suggesting that certain individuals in Jammu and Kashmir, operating under the guise of social activism, were misusing platforms linked to mass media, social media, human rights, environmental causes and women empowerment to carry out activities “detrimental to the sovereignty and security of the state.”

“Discreet information indicated their suspected links with secessionist organizations and proscribed terrorist outfits,” the spokesperson said.

According to the police, initial findings revealed that some of the suspects were believed to be in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers through encrypted messaging apps. “They were found to be involved in disseminating false narratives, radicalising youth and attempting to disturb public order and peace in J&K,” the spokesperson added.

The police said the raids have disrupted what they described as a “dangerous ecosystem” functioning under the façade of social activism but allegedly serving terror interests.

“The seized digital evidence is expected to reveal deeper footprints of the conspiracy, and further arrests cannot be ruled out,” the statement said. “The investigation aims to unearth the full extent of the conspiracy, identify additional operatives, and expose communication chains with handlers across the border.”

Saturday’s action, the police said, signals a zero-tolerance approach towards individuals or groups allegedly attempting to camouflage terror-linked activities as legitimate civil society work. “With the investigation gaining momentum, fresh revelations are expected regarding covert operations by pseudo-activist networks and social media users who had been trying to infiltrate public discourse under noble causes while promoting anti-national agendas,” the spokesperson added.