Kashmiri journalist detained for ‘instigating secessionist sentiment’ on social media

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Tuesday detained a Kashmiri journalist, accusing him of “posting extremist content on social media.”

Police said Hilal Mir, a resident of Bemina Srinagar, was detained as he “used to disseminate extremist or distorted content with an intention to disturb peace and promote disaffection and secessionist ideology and present India in a bad shape.”

Police statement didn’t mention Mir as a journalist.

Mir, an independent reporter, has previously worked with media organisations including Hindustan Times and Srinagar-based newspapers. He also freelanced for Anadolu Agency, TRT and HuffPost.

“The social media abuser Hilal Mir @ Hilal Saqi was also found to be actively engaged in posting and sharing content aimed at inciting sentiments among young minds and instigate secessionist sentiment by portraying Kashmiris as victims of systemic extermination. His posts reflect a veiled attempt to cultivate public resentment which is threat to security/sovereignty etc,” the statement said.

Police said a preliminary inspection of the ‘digital devices’ revealed “access to the radical account along with incriminating materials and other extremist / distorted content /propaganda.”

“During preliminary analysis, the suspect was also found in touch with some suspected foreign-based cell numbers involved in suspicious activities, presumably taking dictation from the adversary for disturbing the peace and tranquillity in the Valley, which is a matter of investigation. The suspect has been brought within the ambit of investigation and further probe is in progress,” police said.