In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of Indian police has launched a crackdown on social media users and activists, accusing them of links with so-called terror networks.
CIK sleuths conducted searches at eight locations in Srinagar, Baramulla, Islamabad and other districts after registering a case under draconian sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). At least seven persons were detained for questioning, while several digital devices were seized.
The agency claimed that the targeted individuals were “masquerading as social activists”. They were further accused of using social media, human rights and women empowerment platforms to “spread misinformation and radicalize youth.”
Family members of the detained youths said that Indian agencies are misusing UAPA to silence every dissenting voice, particularly those raising issues of human rights and justice in occupied Kashmir. Rights groups have also pointed out that such raids are part of a wider pattern of intimidation aimed at criminalizing civil society work.
The CIK has signaled more arrests in the coming days, in what observers say is an attempt to choke online expression and further curb the already shrinking civic space in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
