Baramulla Police on Thursday issued a set of do’s and don’ts, along with frequently asked questions (FAQs), to address the growing concern of the misuse of social media under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The guidelines aim to provide clarity on actions citizens should take when encountering content related to terrorism, secessionism, threats, intimidation, or communally sensitive material on social media platforms.
Baramulla Police has urged citizens to contribute to maintaining a safe online environment by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting any suspicious activities.
“If you receive a message containing objectionable content, report it immediately to the nearest Police Station or Police Post with a screenshot and detailed information,” a police officer in Baramulla said.
He mentioned that in case of accidentally sharing inappropriate content, citizens are advised to promptly recall the messages.
“If not possible, issue a clarification to each contact or group it was shared with. Report the incident to the authorities as a precaution,” he further said.
In case of being part of any WhatsApp group frequented with messages or posts propagating terrorism, the Police has advised that the presumption will be against the individuals unless they opt out or report the group to the police.
“Staying in such a group may be seen as agreement and approval of its content,” read the guidelines issued by Baramulla Police.
These guidelines also emphasize the importance of prompt reporting and responsible social media use to curb the spread of harmful content.
