Srinagar, Dec 30:
The Special NIA Court, Srinagar, on Tuesday issued a proclamation against absconding accused in FIR No. 07/2020 of Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), in a case related to anti-national propaganda and secessionist misinformation.
“In a major crackdown on anti-national propaganda and secessionist misinformation, the Hon’ble Court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, has issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, against accused persons in FIR No. 07/2020 of Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK),” a spokesperson said in statement to Kashmir Dot Com.
“The case pertains to serious offences under Sections 153-A & 505 of the IPC and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, registered on the basis of credible intelligence inputs revealing a well-orchestrated conspiracy by unscrupulous anti-social and anti-national elements operating at the behest of secessionist forces within and outside the Valley.”
“Investigation has exposed that these elements were masquerading as news portals, journalists and freelancers, while in reality weaponizing social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp to create, upload and circulate fake, motivated, exaggerated, secessionist and out-of-context content. The deliberate objective of this digital misinformation campaign was to incite street violence, disrupt normal life, damage public property, disturb public order and fuel mass unrest, thereby promoting anti-national sentiments and advancing a secessionist agenda aimed at creating disaffection against the Union of India,” the statement said.
“During the course of investigation, the involvement of the accused persons was firmly established, including Mubeen Ahmad Shah, S/O Late Ali Mohammad Shah, resident of Dock Wali Colony, Jawahar Nagar, District Srinagar, Azizul Hassan Ashai @ Tony Ashai, S/O Nazir Ahmad Ashai, also resident of Dock Wali Colony, Jawahar Nagar, District Srinagar, and Rifat Wani, D/O Ghulam Mohammad Wani, R/O Trehgam, District Kupwara, with the probe confirming their role in the alleged conspiracy and related offences under the registered case.”
“The accused were found to be actively propagating content prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, spreading false and fabricated narratives with the clear intent of instigating disaffection against the Union of India.”
“Following the issuance of warrants of arrest, the accused persons went underground and are absconding to evade the process of law. Taking serious note of their deliberate evasion, the Hon’ble Special NIA Court has now issued a proclamation under Section 82 Cr.PC, directing the accused to appear before the Hon’ble Court on or before 31.01.2026. Failure to comply will invite stringent proceedings under Section 83 Cr.PC, including attachment of property,” the statement further said.
“Despite being declared absconders, the accused are notorious for their continued hostile activities and remain highly active on social media platforms, where they persist in peddling false, fabricated and provocative content with the intention of inciting large-scale violence and destabilizing public order in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.”
“Counter Intelligence Kashmir reiterates its firm resolve to act decisively against all elements indulging in anti-national propaganda and digital subversion, and warns that such unlawful activities will be dealt with strictly under the law,” the statement added.