The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — After allegedly circulating obscene content besides indulging in harassment on social media, the Cyber Police Kashmir on Thursday said that four accused persons were arrested by them in two separate cases.

As per the local news agency CNS, the Cyber Police Kashmir in a post on X said, “Cyber Police Kashmir have arrested four accused in two separate cases involving the circulation of obscene content and harassment on social media.”

One of the accused persons has been identified as Sheikh Muqadas Rafiq, a resident of Gulab Bagh, Srinagar, police said.

“In the second case, Junaid Hussain of Sonwar, Iflah Mir of Bagh-e-Mehtab and Naveed Mir of Pampore were arrested. We are committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals and will continue to combat cybercrimes rigorously (sic),” added Cyber Police Kashmir in another post on X.

SRINAGAR — Police in central Kashmir's Budgam district have booked a social media user for allegedly posting a video containing fake footage of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on platform ‘X’.

A top official told Srinagar-based news gathering agency KDC that it has been reliably learnt that a post containing the ‘fake, doctored’ video of the Union Home Minister of India has been shared on social media platform 'X' (previously Twitter).

“The intention behind the act was spreading misleading information to create disharmony among communities and different sections of society,” he said.

He said that the said social media post has been shared under the account (handle) name 'Iliyas Mir Magami' @Magamiiliyas on platform 'X’.

Meanwhile, an FIR number 47/2024 under sections 505(2) and 171G of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered at Police Station Magam into the matter, and further investigations have been initiated.

RAJOURI — Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case regarding an edited video showing people raising objectionable slogans during a procession in Kalakote Rajouri.

"A video has been circulated on social media in which some objectionable slogans are heard during a procession in Kalakote area of Rajouri," reads a statement quoted by a local news agency.

It added, "During initial analysis, it has been found that the video is edited / unoriginal in nature with audio of slogan added to create unrest."

"Police have viewed it seriously and a case FIR No. 21/2024 has been registered at Police Station Kalakote under relevant sections of law," the statement reads.

"People are requested not to fall prey to rumours and to avoid sharing videos' which shall attract strict legal action," the statement further reads.

SRINAGAR — Authorities in Ladakh have taken preemptive measures in response to the prevailing security situation by opting to decrease the mobile internet speed to 2G.

A recent directive, issued by Dr Shiv Darshan Singh (IPS), Additional Director General of Police and Head of Police, UT of Ladakh, cited concerns over the potential misuse of mobile data services by anti-social elements and miscreants to incite public unrest via social media platforms. The decision aims to maintain public peace and uphold law and order in the Union Territory.

"Upon consideration of various inputs and aspects, it has been deemed absolutely necessary to scale down the Mobile Data Services to 2G, thereby suspending 3G, 4G, 5G & Public Wi-fi facilities temporarily in the interest of maintenance of public peace," the order stated.

The directive specifically mandates the reduction of internet speed in Leh city within a 10 km radius from 1800 Hrs on April 6, 2024, to 1800 Hrs on April 7, 2024.

PULWAMA — Pulwama's Rajpora Police Station has taken legal action against an individual identified as Sameer Ahmed Paray, who stands accused of spreading false information via social media.

Paray, a resident of Kabikoot CB Nath, allegedly posted a fabricated image on his fake Facebook account under the name "Babar Azam". The image depicted arms and ammunition, accompanied by a claim that a new militant recruit from Pulwama had emerged.

The dissemination of such misleading content on social media platforms has been cited as a disturbance to public peace and tranquillity.

In response, Rajpora Police Station has registered FIR No. 23/2024 under section 505(b) of the IPC, initiating an investigation into the matter.

Authorities urge the general public to refrain from sharing false information on social media platforms.

Strict measures will be taken against individuals found spreading malicious content online, according to Pulwama Police, which reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

PULWAMA — Two individuals have been arrested by police in Pulwama for their involvement in a scam targeting people through social media platforms.

A police spokesman said that Police Station Pulwama received a complaint from Mehraj Ud Din Najar, son of Gh Hassan Najar from Dalipora. Najar reported that Irfan Ahmad Bhat, son of Ab Rashid Bhat from Wadoora, Bomai Sopore, had posted a deceased person's photograph on Facebook along with his own account number and phone number, soliciting funds in the deceased's name.

Subsequently, FIR No. 51/2024 under relevant sections of the law was registered, and an investigation was initiated. It was revealed during the investigation that Bhat and another individual, a juvenile whose name was withheld, conspired to defraud people by creating two Facebook accounts under the names "Sameer Tigers" and "Apna Sarkar." They posted the deceased person's photograph along with their own contact information, deceiving individuals into sending them money.

Both suspects have been apprehended, with further investigations ongoing, according to the official.

Authorities caution the public against falling victim to such schemes and emphasize the importance of verifying the credibility of online appeals before making donations. Any individual found involved in such fraudulent activities will face legal consequences, the statement reiterated.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a formal First Information Report (FIR) against a Facebook page admin, Mudasir Bashir Bhat, alias Mudasir Aziz.

According to an instant FIR copy accessed by Srinagar-based news gathering agency KDC, a person namely Mudasir Bashir Bhat, son of Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Khayam, Srinagar, has been booked vide FIR No. 8/2024 under sections 341 (Wrongful Restraint), 354 (Sexual Assault), 499 (Defamation), and section 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

According to the FIR copy, the Facebook page admin was booked by Police Station Rainawari after receiving a written complaint by a lady (name withheld), who runs an NGO by the name ‘Smile Foundation’.

Meanwhile, investigations have been set into motion and further details are awaited.

SRINAGAR — Facebook administrators of several pages have been directed by the Court of Sub Registrar Srinagar to remove content posted against the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Smile Foundation. Besides, it has summoned Mudasir Bashir (known by the name of Mudasir Aziz), who had uploaded a video on the social media platform alleging the NGO is a “bogus” entity.

The news agency CNS has learnt that Smile Foundation Naqashpora Barbarshah, Srinagar through its Chairperson Masrat Jaan, a resident of Gulshan Bagh, Hawal, Srinagar has filed a case against Facebook page administrators of several pages including Kashmir Youth Power, News Express, Mission Kashmir and Mudasir Aziz for defaming the NGO’s reputation on social media.

As per the Court of Sub Registrar Srinagar, the Smile Foundation alleged that the defendant had recently posted a video story, a defamatory statement in respect of the plaintiff NGO, on March 4, 2024 on his Facebook Page wherein the defendant levelled hostile and disagreeable opinions against the plaintiff and the chairperson, injuring the hard-earned reputation, respect and regard of the plaintiff NGO, thereby bringing the plaintiff NGO into hatred and ridicule among general masses by his unlawful interference in respect of the functioning of the NGO.

Meanwhile, Sub Registrar Srinagar Adnan Manzoor while disposing of the interim application said that the plaintiff has made out a prima facie case and the defendant is restrained from causing any interference with the functioning of the NGO without following the due course of law.

The court also restrained the defendants from uploading any video related to the NGO. “Further, the defendant is directed to remove the content uploaded on the social media platform (above-mentioned Facebook Pages) till the next date of hearing,” the court added.

Meanwhile, a notice has been issued to Mudasir Bashir to appear before the Court of Sub Registrar Srinagar on the next date of hearing.

SRINAGAR — Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has lauded the perseverance and inspiring journey of Jammu and Kashmir's Para cricket team captain, Amir Hussain Lone, during his recent visit to the Valley.

Tendulkar, fulfilling a promise made during his visit, met with Lone to convey his admiration in person, as reported by a local news agency. The cricket legend commended Lone's dedication, highlighting his remarkable story as a source of inspiration for all.

Cricket's universal appeal resonates deeply with people from diverse backgrounds, and Hussain Lone's tale exemplifies the sport's inclusivity. Tendulkar was moved by a video showcasing Lone's dedication to the game despite his physical limitations, prompting their meeting.

Expressing his joy at meeting his young fan, Tendulkar praised Lone for becoming a role model for aspiring cricketers. He emphasized Lone's unwavering determination and passion for the game, which propelled him to his current position.

As a token of appreciation, Tendulkar presented Lone with a personalized bat bearing an inspiring message: "To Amir, the real hero. Keep inspiring," alongside his signature.

Taking to a social media platform, Tendulkar shared about the encounter, writing, "To Amir, the real hero. Keep inspiring! It was a pleasure meeting you".

Now 34 years old, Hussain Lone leads Jammu & Kashmir's Para cricket team. Despite facing adversity since a life-altering accident at the age of eight years, which resulted in the loss of both his arms, Lone developed a unique playing style and emerged as an inspiration for others. He has been playing professional cricket since 2013 when a teacher recognized his talent and introduced him to Para Cricket.

Last month, Tendulkar expressed his admiration for Lone's skills in a video and expressed his desire to meet him and acquire a jersey with Lone's name. Tendulkar's admiration for Lone's journey resonated with cricket enthusiasts worldwide, who draw inspiration from Lone's remarkable achievements.

"Amir has shown that the impossible can be made possible. I am deeply moved by watching this! It showcases his immense love and dedication for the game. I hope to meet him one day and obtain a jersey with his name. Well done for inspiring millions passionate about playing the sport," Tendulkar had previously posted on social media.

SRINAGAR — Last week when the valley received fresh snowfall, pictures of a train navigating through intense snowfall went viral on social media.

Amid immense response, social media was abuzz, with tourists keeping it on their wishlist to enjoy a train ride in snowclad Kashmir.

A train ride in Kashmir has emerged as a new addition to the region's tourism landscape.

Vistadome coach, which was recently introduced by the government, is fast becoming a hotspot for tourists, who get a 360-degree view of Kashmir from north to south.

Every day scores of tourists embark on the train to experience the view of snowclad Kashmir from Baramulla to Banihal.

“We have been getting scores of passengers who visit here to explore Kashmir. Since the trains here pass through beautiful landscapes, especially during the winter season when it is white everywhere, tourists love to experience this view. Every day we get hundreds of tourist passengers at our Srinagar and Banihal stations,” an official told the news agency KNO.

He said the occupancy of Vistadome has increased especially after snowfall. “The coach is running full. People love to experience Kashmir through this coach, which has every facility to make one's trip comfortable,” he said.

Pertinently, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister, recently posted a captivating video showcasing a train navigating through intense snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir.

The video went viral with many expressing their desire to visit Kashmir and experience a train journey from south to north Kashmir.

Tourists who took the train ride in Kashmir compared it with that of Switzerland. "This is no less than Switzerland. We enjoyed our ride from Banihal to Baramulla. The views are amazing with snow-capped mountains. I recommend every tourist visiting Kashmir should enjoy and experience a train ride from Banihal to Baramulla to get a 360-degree view of Kashmir," said Bushra Khan, a tourist from Maharashtra.

Pertinently, last year, a series of videos of the scow-covered train also featured on social media mesmerizing video that enchanted netizens, even leaving South African professional cricket commentator Jonty Rhodes longing to embark on a journey on the train.

On a normal day, at least 15 pairs of trains run regularly from Baramulla to Banihal and carry almost 30,000 passengers, including students and employees.

SRINAGAR — Manzoor Bhat, a prominent youth leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has urged for stringent measures to be taken against creators of 'inappropriate' content on social media platforms.

While speaking to a local news agency, Bhat emphasized the need for action, expressing concern over the rising trend of 'inappropriate' content creation.

He highlighted the adverse impact such content could have on the youth, stating that for quite some time, there has been a noticeable increase in the creation of 'inappropriate' content on various social media platforms, which is worrisome for all responsible citizens.

Bhat confirmed that he has approached the Cyber Police Kashmir, urging them to investigate the matter and take appropriate actions against those responsible.

In his advocacy for responsible online behaviour, Bhat stressed the importance of mindfulness when sharing content online. He added that everyone must be conscious of the content they post on social media.

He remarked that upholding safety and promoting positivity is pivotal in moulding society, and everyone should collectively strive to spread kindness and positivity.

Addressing all social media users, Bhat appealed against the promotion of such content. "I earnestly request all individuals using social media to refrain from endorsing or circulating such material," he urged.

The BJP leader's call for action against 'inappropriate' content on social media comes as part of a larger discourse on responsible online conduct and the potential impact of digital content on society.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag have taken legal action against Saqib Bashir Ganai, accused of unlawfully extorting money from individuals, following reports and a formal complaint.

Based on social media reports and an official complaint, Ganai, a resident of Rakh Moman in Bijbehara, Anantnag district, allegedly engaged in deceitful and intimidating tactics to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

An official statement from the police authorities in this connection confirmed the initiation of legal proceedings against Ganai. FIR No. 294/2023 has been filed against him under pertinent sections of the law at Police Station Bijbehara.

Authorities have apprehended and identified Ganai in connection with the case.

The police cautioned citizens about exercising caution while using social media and online platforms. They encouraged individuals with grievances to approach law enforcement directly for appropriate legal recourse instead of resorting to social media.

It is in place to mention here that the incident came to light after Dr Abdul Bari Naik, a social activist from Kulgam, exposed Ganai in a video posted on his Facebook page on December 23. The video quickly went viral, prompting swift action from local law enforcement agencies against the accused blackmailer.

KULGAM — Within the quaint locale of Wanpora in Kulgam district resides a 25-year-old luminary, Nafi Javaid, whose fusion of education and family support has propelled him into the realms of social media and technology. With a commitment to genuine content devoid of noise and cringe, NAFxx Tech has stood out as a beacon of educational tech content since 2021.

Unveiling the Scam: "Curative Survey EXPOSED"

In a recent video posted merely four days ago, titled "Curative Survey EXPOSED | Biggest Scam in Jammu and Kashmir," on the 'NAFxx Tech' channel, Nafi Javaid ignited a firestorm across the internet. The exposé revealed a colossal multi-crore scam orchestrated under the guise of the 'Curative Survey.'

The video came as a slap for the many social media influencers from Kashmir like Idrees Mir and Yawar Wani who had promoted the fraudulent company's app in their videos, influencing unsuspecting people to invest in the company to earn a 'good monthly income by filling online surveys'.

The revelations uncovered by NAFxx Tech have led to the physical closure of the company's offices, triggering protests by deceived investors demanding justice and the apprehension of local influencers who endorsed the fraudulent company.

Implications of the Deceitful Scheme on Investors

The ramifications of this deceitful scheme have affected a multitude of individuals, particularly students, who entrusted their hard-earned money. Promising to double investments within 10 to 15 days, the Chennai-based company, with multiple offices in Kashmir, preyed on people's aspirations.

NAFxx Tech, in a stern warning, cautioned the public against falling victim to such deceptive schemes, emphasizing that promises of doubling money in a matter of days are unrealistic and should be approached with scepticism.

Notably, the company's employees made outbound calls, luring individuals with promises of a monthly payment of 3000 rupees for fifteen months. Subscribers were enticed to deposit 5000 rupees initially, purportedly for completing online surveys. However, this surfaced as a mere prelude to a larger-scale fraud scheme.

NAFxx Tech: Journey from Gaming Content to Tech Expertise

Nafi's educational odyssey commenced with a Diploma in GPC from Anantnag, paving the way for his academic pursuit in Computer Science and Engineering at Lovely Professional University in Punjab, where he achieved a B.Tech degree.

Bypassing conventional career trajectories, Nafi delved into content creation, starting his YouTube journey in 2018 with a focus on gaming content. By 2022, he diversified his portfolio, exploring the expansive sphere of technology.

Operating under the alias "NAFxx," Nafi has carved a distinct niche for himself across platforms like YouTube and Facebook. In a conversation with a local media outlet, he disclosed that his journey was largely self-directed, refining his skills in editing and content creation through the plethora of resources available on YouTube.

Nafi's Advice for Creators: Pursuing Passion and Avoiding Shortcuts

Nafi's guidance for budding creators is both pragmatic and motivational. He advocates for pursuing one's passion, acquiring new skills, and avoiding the pitfall of confining aspirations to a single domain. His ethos revolves around eschewing shortcuts and maintaining focus on broader objectives.

Beyond personal success, Nafi actively addresses critical issues. He passionately urges the administration in Jammu and Kashmir to take stringent measures against cybercrimes. Additionally, he advocates for reining in the proliferation of gambling and betting apps, emphasizing the need for societal welfare.

Navigating Digital Realms: Nafi Javaid's Inspiring Trajectory

Amidst the ever-evolving digital landscape, Nafi Javaid stands as a beacon of self-motivated drive and familial solidarity. As he leaves an enduring imprint on social media, his journey becomes a compelling narrative for aspiring youth in Kashmir, emphasizing the transformative power of determination and unwavering family support.

In an era shaped by digital influence, Nafi Javaid’s trajectory serves as an inspiring testament to the fusion of personal passion and familial reinforcement. As he continues to shape his mark on the social media spectrum, his narrative resonates profoundly, illuminating the path for aspiring youngsters in Kashmir, underscoring the pivotal role of perseverance and steadfast familial backing in achieving one's dreams.

SRINAGAR — Cyber Police Kashmir took action after it received information concerning alleged fraudulent activities by a company named "Curative Survey Private Limited," operating through a deceptive website, which reportedly scammed and defrauded numerous individuals.

In an official statement, a spokesperson highlighted how victims were misled by the company, enticing them to invest their hard-earned money with promises of substantial returns, only to be deceived.

"The registered individuals were promised payment for undertaking those surveys. In the last few days, the company allegedly stopped due payment to persons registered with it, and its promoters and directors absconded," the spokesperson stated.

Following the gravity of the situation, Cyber Police Kashmir promptly registered a case, FIR No. 39/2023, invoking relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act, and commenced investigations based on details provided by some victims. These details revealed the company's alleged commitments of payments to individuals engaging in daily survey activities via their website.

The lure of easy money within a short timeframe attracted unsuspecting individuals to subscribe to what appears to be a fraudulent scheme, as indicated in the preliminary stages of the investigation.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, Cyber Police Kashmir has frozen several identified accounts operated by the company and sealed its registered offices following searches conducted at multiple locations. The searches yielded incriminating materials, including electronic devices and documents.

Efforts are underway to identify and investigate the promoters of the company, with a parallel focus on examining the roles of local office staff and individuals promoting these schemes on social media platforms.

In light of these events, authorities urge caution against online scams, advising individuals to meticulously verify the legitimacy of online schemes before investing their hard-earned money. They also encourage citizens affected by this scam to come forward and share relevant information with the investigation agency.

"The investigation of the case is being handled expeditiously," the statement concluded.

SRINAGAR — Idrees Mir, born and raised in the serene landscapes of Baramulla district in Kashmir, cultivated a deep passion for technology and community engagement from an early age. His innate fascination with digital platforms and social media laid the groundwork for his future endeavours as a content creator and influencer.

Emerging from the serene valleys of Kashmir, Idrees embarked on a journey into the digital realm, particularly on YouTube. Through his engaging and insightful videos, he masterfully captured the essence of life in Kashmir, portraying its rich culture, scenic beauty, and everyday experiences. His innate charm and ability to captivate audiences swiftly garnered a dedicated following, both within the region and beyond.

Idrees Mir's rise as an influencer

His burgeoning influence attracted the attention of brands and companies seeking to tap into his expansive reach. Recognizing his potential as a marketing influencer, Idrees Mir found himself at the epicentre of various promotional campaigns, endorsing products and services to his devoted audience. Among these endeavours was his collaboration with Curative Surveys Pvt. Ltd., a startup that pledged substantial returns on investments through its mobile application.

The 59 crore scandal controversy

The allure of doubling investments within an implausibly short timeframe enticed investors, with Idrees Mir and fellow influencers, including Yawar Wani, lending their credibility to the app through sponsored content and endorsements.

However, what commenced as a promising venture took an unexpected turn when the app vanished without a trace from the digital landscape, leaving a wake of tumult and financial turmoil. Shockingly, reports surfaced revealing that the app had amassed a staggering 59 crores from unsuspecting investors before abruptly halting operations.

The fallout from this financial debacle led to heated protests outside the shuttered office premises of Curative Surveys in Srinagar. Accusations flew, placing Idrees Mir and other influencers under intense scrutiny for their association with the now-discredited app. Allegations of manipulating public trust and enticing investors into the dubious scheme ignited widespread outrage.

Defending his position

In his defence, Idrees Mir clarified that his involvement was confined to promotional activities, having meticulously reviewed the company's documents before featuring it in his content. He asserted that multiple personalities, including journalists and influencers, also endorsed the app.

Amid mounting pressure for a comprehensive investigation by authorities, the controversy remains unresolved. Investors, reeling from substantial financial losses, are seeking redressal for their economic setbacks.

Navigating fallout and future endeavours

This unfortunate episode cast a shadow over Idrees Mir's once-thriving online presence, underscoring the profound consequences of affiliating with questionable ventures and the inherent risks associated with investing in seemingly lucrative yet unverified schemes.

As the saga unfolds, Idrees Mir faces the arduous task of rebuilding his credibility and addressing the repercussions of his involvement in the controversial promotion. Meanwhile, affected investors persist in their quest for justice and restitution for their financial hardships.

JAMMU — Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain on Thursday said that police have a zero-tolerance policy towards religious disrespect and that they will bring in a law to act stringently against social media offenders.

DGP Swain, as per the news agency KNS in a hurried-called press conference at Jammu said that under 144 CrPC, they will take strict action to cap the dissemination of sensitive content on social media platforms that hurts the religious sentiments of communities.

He said the police have taken strong cognizance of the NIT incident and in future, any such incident will also be dealt with sternly.

He was speaking on NIT Srinagar row where a non-local student had uploaded a derogatory video against Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on social media which led to wide criticism and outrage from the public. "J&K Police respects the dignity of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) undoubtedly. We can't tolerate any disrespect in this regard. Also, we want to clarify that miscreants won't be allowed to exploit the situation and take the law into their hands," DGP Swain said.

He went on to state, "We have taken swift action against the person who made derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and will not tolerate such remarks against such a great personality. Such acts are beyond tolerance and with these acts, we will not let vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in J&K. As soon as we got this information, we took cognisance in no time and filed an FIR against the person.”

DGP appealed to students to concentrate on their studies and don’t indulge in such activities. "We also appeal to the people to help us to maintain law and order. We warn those elements who want to take advantage of these situations to derail peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Police as well as people in general need to be alert at this juncture," he added.

"Regarding the use of social media, we also warn those elements who try to spread misinformation. In coming days, we are also going to launch an awareness campaign about this law so that people indulging in such activities refrain themselves and help us maintain the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir," the DGP said.

SRINAGAR — In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified their efforts to curb the misuse of social media platforms for 'anti-India and anti-national' activities.

Sources within the police department have confirmed that they are actively tracking the IP addresses of individuals involved in such activities.

What sets this initiative apart is the direct cooperation the Jammu and Kashmir Police have secured from social media giants, including WhatsApp, X (formerly known as Twitter), Snapchat, Instagram, Telegram, and TiTok etc. This collaboration has granted the authorities access to information concerning those who exploit these platforms to spread 'anti-national' sentiment.

The efficacy of this partnership recently came to light when the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Cyber Investigation Kashmir (CIK) wing apprehended an individual from Srinagar. This individual was found to be operating a fake Instagram account and posting anti-national content in the comment section.

Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with other relevant agencies, have successfully infiltrated various Telegram and WhatsApp groups, where they closely monitor activities. Insider sources have confirmed to Srinagar-based news agency KDC that a wealth of valuable intelligence has been gathered through these operations.

An official said that even teenagers, who are members of various Telegram groups, are under surveillance. The officer stressed the importance of parents' vigilance in monitoring their children's online activities, urging them to ensure that their wards do not become unwitting participants in anti-national activities.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's dedication to monitoring and curbing social media misuse underscores their commitment to national security, the officer said, adding that as the digital landscape continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies are adapting their strategies to safeguard the integrity of the nation.

SRINAGAR — Jammu & Kashmir Police in Pulwama have taken action against a social media user who, according to the police, was inciting the general public and promoting 'terror' activities.

“It has come to light that an individual was running a fake social media account with the name 'Pulwama News' and was involved in uploading videos and pictures of terrorists killed in the Kokernag encounter. This account was created to promote the activities of the terrorists and spread fear among the general public, which posed a severe threat to the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country,” a police spokesman said in a statement issued here.

Accordingly, police said that a case FIR number 98/2023 under relevant sections of law has been registered and an investigation was initiated.

During the course of the investigation, the accused identified as Ashiq Ahmad Khan son of Bashir Ahmad Khan, resident of Niloora, Khan Mohalla has been arrested for carrying out such unlawful activities. "The investigation of the case is going on," police said.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police to nab the miscreants who are inimical to peace and tranquillity. We stand together in the fight against terrorism and will continue to work towards a peaceful, safe and prosperous future for all citizens,” police said.

SRINAGAR — In a shocking revelation by the Centre, almost 10,000 women have gone missing from J&K from 2019 to 2021 with officials citing exorbitant use of social media as the main reason behind the missing cases.

In the Parliament, the Government of India revealed that around 10,000 women have gone missing in Jammu and Kashmir in three years from 2019.

In response to a question in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra, as per the news agency KNO, informed the Parliament that 9,765 women have gone missing from their homes in Jammu and Kashmir between 2019 to 2021.

In these three years, there were 1148 cases of missing girls below the age of 18 and 8,617 women aged above 18 have gone missing.

While giving yearly data, the MoS Home said that 355 girls and 2,738 women went missing in the year 2019, followed by 350 girls and 2,701 women in 2020 and 443 girls and 3,178 women in the year 2021.

As per the data available, just around 3300 women had gone missing in J&K from 2016-2018 while the number has tripled in the next three years from 2019-2021. As per the data, 943 women went missing in J&K in the year 2016, 1,044 in 2017 and 1,335 in 2018.

Meanwhile, the Government of India said that they have taken a number of initiatives for the safety of women across the country.

“The Criminal Law (Amendment), Act 2013 was enacted for effective deterrence against sexual offences. Further, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 was enacted to prescribe even more stringent penal provisions including the death penalty for the rape of girls below the age of 12 years. The Act also inter-alia mandates completion of the investigation and filing of charge sheet in rape cases in two months and trials to be completed in two months,” MoS Home said in Rajya Sabha.

“Emergency Response Support System provides a pan-India, single internationally recognized number (112) based system for all emergencies, with the computer-aided dispatch of field resources to the location of distress and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a cyber-crime reporting portal on 20th September, 2018 for citizens to report obscene content besides that MHA has launched the 'National Database on Sexual Offenders' (NDSO) on 20th September 2018 to facilitate investigation and tracking of sexual offenders across the country by law enforcement agencies,” he said.

“MHA has launched an online analytic tool 'Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences' for Police on 19th February 2019 to facilitate them to monitor and track time-bound investigation in sexual assault cases in accordance with Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2018, in order to improve investigation. MHA has taken steps to strengthen DNA analysis units in Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories. This includes setting up of State-of-the-Art DNA Analysis Unit in Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh," he said.

He added, "MHA has also sanctioned setting-up and upgrading of DNA Analysis units in State Forensic Science Laboratories after gap analysis and demand assessment and MHA has notified guidelines for collection of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases and the standard composition in a sexual assault evidence collection kit. To facilitate adequate capacity in manpower, training and skill-building programs have been undertaken for Investigation Officers, Prosecution Officers and Medical Officers. Bureau of Police Research & Development has distributed 14,950 Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits to States/UTs as orientation kits as part of training.”

“MHA has also approved two projects for setting up and strengthening of Women Help Desks in Police Stations and Anti-Human Trafficking Units in all districts of the country and the Ministry of Home Affairs have issued advisories from time to time with a view to helping the States/UTS to deal with crimes against women, which are available at www.mha.gov.in while the Ministry of Women & Child Development has set up 733 One Stop Centres in the country. These centres provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress, under one roof and provide an integrated range of services including medical aid, legal aid, temporary shelter, police assistance, psycho-social counselling,” MoS said.

Meanwhile, some officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that the exorbitant influence of social media leading to an elopement with strangers is the main cause for the rise in missing cases among the female population while few cases are also related to kidnapping and other issues.

They said that most of these women are brought back after cases are being registered and eloping with strangers whom they met on different social media apps is the main reason in most of the cases. “Women having weak family bonds are more prone to it besides that we must have a rethinking on the usage of social media,” they said.

SRINAGAR — A moderate earthquake rattled the picturesque Kashmir Valley on Sunday morning, causing panic among residents and triggering concerns about potential damage. The tremor struck at approximately 11:25 AM local time, jolting the region with a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale, according to Kashmir Weather.

The earthquake's epicenter was located near Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region (71.17°E  36.64°N) with a depth of 220 km.

Reports from various districts across the valley indicated that people rushed out of their homes and buildings in fear, seeking open spaces for safety. Tremors were felt in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in surrounding areas.

So far, there have been no reports of casualties or major damages, but officials are closely monitoring the situation.

Social media platforms are flooded with posts shared by residents, speaking of the moments of panic and the swaying of furniture and objects in their homes.

Experts warn that while this earthquake was of moderate magnitude, it serves as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region. Kashmir Valley lies in a seismically active zone and has experienced significant earthquakes in the past.

As the news of the earthquake spread, concerned relatives and friends reached out to their loved ones in the affected areas, seeking reassurance of their well-being.

The seismic activity has prompted renewed discussions on earthquake preparedness and the need for enhanced infrastructure to mitigate the potential impact of future tremors.