J&K police arrest Srinagar youth for ‘glorifying militancy’ online

The J&K police on Tuesday (March 18, 2025) said a Srinagar resident allegedly “glorifying militancy” and “inciting anti-national sentiments” on social media platforms has been arrested, as social media service providers set up “special units to monitor the radical propaganda especially in J&K”. 

The police’s special cell, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), said the Srinagar resident was identified “during the course of social media surveillance”. 

“A team of CIK successfully identified and apprehended the individual operating a radical social media handle on Facebook, ‘Shaddy Kashmir Dryfruits’, which was being used to disseminate extremist content with an intention to disturb peace,” the police said.

The arrested youth was identified as Showkat Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar, a resident of Doodh Mohalla, Shalimar, Srinagar. “Dar was found to be actively engaged in posting and sharing content aimed at glorifying militancy, militant commanders and inciting anti-national sentiments among young minds,” the police said.

The police said it faced initial hindrance due to “his constant movement and change of location” by the accused. “A well-coordinated strategy was implemented on ground to apprehend him along with his electronic device. A preliminary inspection of the digital devices revealed access to the radical Facebook account, along with incriminating materials, including a video of slain militant commander Zakir Musa and other extremist propaganda,” the police said.

The police allege Mr. Dar “has a history of radical activities”. “Dar was previously arrested in 2019 by the Harwan Police Station of Srinagar for involvement in stone-pelting incidents. In 2022, he was detained by Cyber Police Station, Srinagar, for engaging in the online dissemination of radical content,” it added.

Investigations are going on to establish his role and other associates for further legal action, the police said.

Officials claim all the social media service providers have established special units to monitor the radical propaganda especially in J&K on the request of intelligence agencies. “The moment any such radical activity is witnessed by their monitoring unit, it is reported to the security agencies immediately,” they said.

The J&K Police have arrested many youths in Kashmir this year for their online activity. “The successful apprehension of the suspect highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb online radicalisation and safeguard the youth from extremist influences,” the police said. 

Earlier this month, a Kashmiri social media influencer, running handles like ‘Wounded Kashmir’ and ‘Lacerated Kashmir’, was chargesheeted for promoting terrorism and downplaying lawful administrative regime. Besides, six individuals were booked in Budgam for creating fake accounts and “sharing content glorifying terrorism that could potentially disturb public peace and incite disruptive activities”. The police said these individuals were found using fake social media accounts to propagate “misleading and unlawful content”.