Srinagar: A special NIA court in Kashmir has issued a proclamation against three Kashmir-origin persons currently based abroad for allegedly propagating content “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.” The accused have been directed to appear before the court on or before January 31.
In a statement, the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police said the proclamation was issued by the Court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, in a case registered at Police Station CIK.
Describing the action as part of a “major crackdown on anti-national propaganda and secessionist misinformation,” the CIK said the case involves serious offences under Sections 153-A and 505 of the IPC, and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case was registered based on what the agency described as “credible intelligence inputs” pointing to a well-orchestrated conspiracy by “anti-national elements operating at the behest of secessionist forces within and outside the Valley.”
According to officials, the accused posed as news portals, journalists and freelancers, while allegedly using social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp to circulate fake, exaggerated, motivated and out-of-context content with secessionist undertones.
The agency said the objective of the online campaign was to incite street violence, disrupt normal life, damage public property, disturb public order and fuel unrest, thereby promoting anti-national sentiments and creating disaffection against the Union of India.
Those named in the case are Mubeen Ahmad Shah, a resident of Jawahar Nagar in Srinagar; Azizul Hassan Ashai, also from Srinagar; and Rifat Wani of Trehgam in Kupwara district. All three are currently residing outside the country.
The CIK said the accused were actively spreading “false and fabricated narratives” with the intent to undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity. Following the issuance of arrest warrants, the agency said, the accused went underground and are absconding to evade the legal process.
