Police Across Kashmir Warn Against Divisive Social Media Posts

SRINAGAR: Police across several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, Budgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Sopore, have issued strict advisories urging citizens and social media administrators to act responsibly online and refrain from sharing divisive, communal, or anti-national content.

The advisories come amid a surge in provocative and insensitive posts following the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, with authorities warning that such behaviour could disturb peace and public order.

In Baramulla, police urged citizens to exercise “utmost restraint” while using social media and warned of strict legal action against anyone spreading hate, misinformation, or propaganda. A police spokesperson said users should remain vigilant against social media accounts operated from across the border, attempting to provoke sentiments and disrupt harmony.

Similarly, Budgam Police issued an advisory in the wake of the Red Fort attack, cautioning users and WhatsApp group administrators against posting or forwarding anti-national or communal material. “Any such activity will attract strict legal action under relevant laws,” the advisory stated. The police appealed to citizens to use social media as a tool for promoting peace and unity rather than spreading discord.

Sopore Police also warned group administrators against circulating provocative or sectarian messages, while Shopian Police described online insensitivity after the Delhi incident as “anti-national and deeply disturbing.” It urged users to avoid engaging with divisive content or accounts suspected of operating from hostile territories.

Pulwama Police reiterated the message, calling for responsible online behaviour and stressing that social media should “promote harmony, not hostility.” Authorities across all these districts have advised citizens to report objectionable content and to support law enforcement in maintaining peace and public order.