JAMMU, Nov 30:
Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain has warned that severe consequences await those who use social media to incite communal tension, propagate terrorism, or encourage separatism.
He emphasised the police’s obligation to prevent any form of disrespect toward Prophet Muhammad (SAW) or any religious community that could disturb peace and incite violence.
Addressing the press conference, the Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), RR Swain, announced that a law under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Jammu and Kashmir would be introduced to encompass individuals sharing or posting videos or messages on social media that will disturb communal harmony and terrorise the public.
DGP Swain stated, “We have decided to bring a law under 144 CrPC in J&K, wherein any message, content, or video shared on social media with the potential of disturbing communal harmony, peace, terrorizing people, and glorifying terrorists or separatists, would invite criminal action (proceedings).”
He reiterated, “After the introduction of the law under 144 CrPC, anybody found involved in sharing such messages, videos, or any other kind of content on social media, whether intentionally or unintentionally, would be treated as a criminal act.” DGP Swain emphasised that individuals reporting such content to the concerned Police Station would be exempted from criminal proceedings.
However, those knowingly forwarding such messages would face legal consequences.
DGP Swain highlighted the duty of JKP not only to protect the people of J&K but also the extended responsibility to safeguard individuals from the region residing, working, and studying in various parts of the country.
The DGP asserted, “JKP is duty-bound to ensure nobody tries to show any sort of disrespect towards Prophet Muhammad (SAW) or any religious group or community in a bid to vitiate the peace and fuel violence.” He discussed the Kashmir situation with senior police officers in response to a derogatory video posted on social media by an NIT student.
DGP Swain underlined that acts disrupting peace, inciting communal frenzy, triggering violence, promoting terrorism, and separatism would be strictly dealt with according to the law. The police would undertake thorough investigations to apprehend elements and vested interests working on hidden agendas.
He emphasised the police’s respect for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and their duty to prevent any disrespect towards him. “Nobody would be allowed to disrupt the communal harmony for which Kashmir is known for ages together,” stated the DGP, concluding, “In respect of the NIT student, the law will take its own course.”
