Kashmir Police recently filed FIR against users using VPN to access social networks after the restoration of the Internet on January 26 that only selected white-listed 1,485 websites can be accessed that doesn’t include any social media services.
The FIR is lodged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). By the use of VPN (Virtual Private Networks), one can easily bypass the Internet Firewalls to surf anything. As per a report from The Indian Express, The FIR is filed after a video of ailing Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani was uploaded on social media and reshared by many users.
Taking serious note of misuse of social media, the Cyber Police Station, Kashmir Zone, Srinagar has registered a Case FIR against various social media users who defied the Government orders and misused social media platforms
Press Release: Kashmir Police
The FIR, lodged under sections 13 of UAPA, 188, 505 of IPC and 66-A (b) of IT Act but as per the honorable Supreme Court, Section 66A of IT Act has already been scratched down in 2015 putting the FIRs under the enigma of legitimacy.
The FIR has been registered while taking cognisance of the social media posts by the miscreants by use of different VPNs, which are propagating rumours with regard to the current security scenario of the Kashmir valley, propagating secessionist ideology and glorifying terror acts/ terrorists. Lot of incriminating material has also been seized in this regard
Press Release: Kashmir Police
Meanwhile, Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) took of twitter about Section 69 (A) condemning Kashmir Police.
