Indian govt has implemented Section 144 in various districts of Kashmir, limiting the rights of the local population to express protest on social media. This action is seen by some as an attempt to suppress the Kashmiri self-determination movement. The Indian police stationed in Occupied Kashmir have issued warnings, stating that individuals who share content deemed anti-India will be considered terrorists under the enforced Section 144. The District Magistrate of Baramulla has officially invoked Section 144 of the Indian Police Act, making it a legal offence for individuals to campaign on social media or share posts and tweets against the Indian govt and police. The authorities have gone so far as to comparing protest with terrorism, committing strict legal action against offenders.

The move has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who argue that these measures infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of expression. Critics see this as part of a broader strategy by the Modi govt to conceal its alleged oppression and human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir from the international community. Furthermore, a video message from the Indian police in Kashmir has surfaced, indicating their readiness to handle individuals who share tweets or videos critical of the Modi govt. This adds to the growing concerns about the restriction of civil liberties and the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)