Valley journalist arrested for posting ‘radical content’ online

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained a valley-based journalist, Hilal Mir, for allegedly spreading “extremist, distorted content” on social media platforms, a move they say is aimed at curbing radical activity online and protecting youth from being influenced by terrorism-related propaganda.

According to a police spokesperson, the Counter Intelligence Kashmir wing took Mir into custody on Tuesday. Without officially acknowledging his profession, the police described him as a “radical social media user,” identified as a resident of Srinagar, who operated accounts on X and Facebook. Mir is a senior journalist, having worked with media outlets such as the Hindustan Times and Greater Kashmir.

“His posts reflect a veiled attempt to cultivate public resentment which is a threat to security and sovereignty,” the police said. “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 tranquility in the Valley, the police said.

A preliminary inspection of the ‘digital devices’ revealed “access to the radical account along with incriminating materials.

J & K