The Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated legal proceedings against three individuals of Kashmiri origin currently residing in the United States and Germany. The accused are alleged to have “weaponised” social media platforms to incite street violence, disrupt public order, and promote a secessionist agenda within the region.
The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), the intelligence wing of the J&K Police, identified the individuals in an official statement released on Monday.
Profiles of the Accused
The individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR) are:
- Mubeen Ahmad Shah: Based in the United States.
- Azizul Hassan Ashai (Tony Ashai): An architect based in the United States.
- Rifat Wani: Based in Germany.
Following their failure to respond to previous arrest warrants, the Special NIA Court in Srinagar has issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The court has directed the trio to appear before it on or before January 31, 2026.
Serious Legal Charges
The case involves several grave offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA):
- Section 153-A IPC: Promoting enmity between different groups.
- Section 505 IPC: Statements conducing to public mischief.
- Section 13 UAPA: Punishments for unlawful activities.
The CIK noted that investigations were launched based on “credible intelligence inputs” revealing a well-orchestrated conspiracy involving “anti-national elements” operating both within and outside the Kashmir Valley.
Allegations of ‘Digital Misinformation’
The police investigation claims that the accused have been masquerading as news portals, journalists, and freelancers to gain legitimacy. In reality, authorities allege they have been using platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp to circulate fake, exaggerated, and secessionist content.
“The deliberate objective of this digital misinformation campaign was to incite street violence, disrupt normal life, damage public property, and fuel mass unrest, thereby promoting anti-national sentiments,” the CIK noted.
Status as Absconders
Despite being declared absconders by the court, the police stated that the individuals remain “notorious for their continued hostile activities.” Officials allege they persist in peddling provocative content intended to destabilize public order in Jammu & Kashmir from their bases abroad.
The proclamation serves as a final legal notice before further stringent measures—including potential property attachment—are taken under Indian law to compel their appearance.
Source: The Indian Express
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