SIA Searches 6 Locations inKashmir Over Social Media ‘Misuse’

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) State Investigative Agency (SIA) conducted pre-dawn searches in a case related to the “misuse” of social mediafor “unlawful and secessionist activities” at six locations in the districts of Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara on Tuesday.

“The searches were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation in case FIR No 05/2023 of Police Station SIA/CIK pertaining to misuse of social media platforms for unlawful and secessionist activities,” an official statement read.

The identified entities are suspected of conniving with foreign associates to further their heinous agenda, which includes instigating and supporting acts of terrorism. Additionally, these entities have been targeting government servants, hindering their ability to perform their lawful duties,” the investigation agency said.

According to the SIA spokesperson, the agency registered the case against some India-based social media entities allegedly collaborating with their foreign associates to spread “hatred against India and promoting terror activities”.

“The identified entities are suspected of conniving with foreign associates to further their nefarious agenda, which includes instigating and supporting acts of terrorism,” the agency said. 

The agency also believed that the suspects have been targeting government servants and “hindering their ability to perform their lawful duties.”

Electronic gadgets, including mobile phones, and SIM cards were seized during the search operation. 

“The evidence will be meticulously analysed to build a strong case against the accused individuals and organisations, ensuring a comprehensive investigation and subsequent legal proceedings,” the SIA said. 

The SIA, which was formed in November 2021 to investigate militancy cases in J&K, is investigating several cases in which more than 100 properties worth hundreds of crores, especially those owned bythe banned socio-political and religious organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), have been seized.

According to an earlier statement, the SIA and the Executive Wing of the J&K Police have attached 124 properties, including land and buildings,under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)at 86 locations across the Union Territory. These properties, the SIA believes, were used in militancy-related activities orinvolved in aiding separatism.

Like the SIA, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted similar searches and raids in more than 50 locations across the region in militancy-related or funding cases.

The latest searches are seen as a major action against social media users in the region. Strict guidelineson using social media networks the authorities claim have been used for criticising the government have been imposed.