Ichigam incident : Police detain 11 social media users for ‘inciting public sentiment’

Budgam, Aug 14: Police in Budgam on Thursday said they have taken preventive action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 against eleven individuals for using social media to incite public sentiment in connection with the recent Ichgam incident.An official from the District Police Headquarters said an FIR regarding the incident has already been registered and is under investigation.He said the police had previously issued warnings to the public not to share videos or provocative material related to the case. “Despite these advisories, the district’s social media monitoring team identified that some individuals were circulating inflammatory videos and posts aimed at disturbing communal and sectarian harmony,” the official said.He said the individuals were found deliberately posting content to create tension between communities. Considering the threat to public peace, preventive detention action has been taken under the relevant provisions of BNSS, the official said.Budgam Police reiterated that sharing unverified, provocative, or incriminating content related to the incident on social media will attract strict legal action. Citizens have been urged to act responsibly online and cooperate in maintaining peace in the area.