CIK Issues Proclamation Against Three Fugitives in Digital Propaganda Case

In a significant development related to anti-national activities in Kashmir, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) executed proclamation orders on Tuesday against three absconding individuals accused of orchestrating digital propaganda campaigns aimed at disrupting public order and national integrity.

The proclamation, carried out under directives from the Special NIA court in Srinagar Kupwara, targets Mubeen Ahmad Shah, Aziz-ul-Hassan Ashai (also known as Tony Ashai), both residents of Srinagar, and Rifat Wani from Kupwara. The case, registered as FIR No. 07/2020, includes charges under Sections 153-A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

According to CIK officials, the investigation has uncovered what they describe as “a well-orchestrated conspiracy” by elements operating at the behest of secessionist forces both within and outside Kashmir. The case highlights growing concerns about digital warfare in the politically sensitive region, where social media has increasingly become a battlefield for competing narratives.

“The accused deliberately masqueraded as journalists, freelancers, and news portals, while in reality running a covert digital warfare campaign,” a CIK spokesperson stated. Investigators claim the accused systematically created and disseminated “fake, motivated, exaggerated, secessionist and out-of-context content” across platforms including Facebook, Twitter (now X), and WhatsApp.

The alleged digital campaign was reportedly designed with specific objectives: to incite street violence, disrupt civic life, provoke damage to public property, and create disaffection against the Indian state. Such activities have long been a concern for security agencies in Kashmir, where internet shutdowns have previously been implemented during periods of unrest.

The case reflects the complex intersection of freedom of expression, digital media, and national security concerns in Kashmir. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, authorities have maintained heightened vigilance against what they term as anti-national activities, particularly in digital spaces.

Security analysts note that separatist elements have increasingly shifted tactics from traditional protest movements to sophisticated social media campaigns aimed at international audiences. This shift presents unique challenges for intelligence agencies attempting to counter narratives they consider harmful to national interests.

The CIK made its position clear in their statement, asserting that “freedom of expression cannot be allowed to be misused as a weapon against the nation.” The agency warned that individuals attempting to “camouflage unlawful, secessionist or communal activities under the garb of journalism or online activism” would face “swift, relentless and legally robust action.”

Legal experts point out that the UAPA, under which the accused have been charged, carries stringent provisions and has been controversial for its broad application in cases involving alleged anti-national activities. Critics argue the law can potentially limit legitimate dissent and free speech, while supporters maintain it’s necessary to address security threats.

The proclamation against the three absconding accused represents a significant step in legal proceedings, typically issued when accused persons fail to appear before the court despite summons. Under Indian law, such proclamations require the accused to appear before authorities within a specified timeframe or face additional legal consequences.

As this case progresses, it highlights the ongoing tensions in Kashmir and the evolving nature of security challenges in the digital age, where the line between free expression and activities deemed harmful to national security remains contentious and frequently disputed.