A Kashmiri photo journalist, Masrat Zahra, has been booked by Jammu and Kashmir police under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for "uploading anti-national" posts on the social media.

According to a police press release, cyber Police Station received information through reliable sources that one Facebook user namely "Masrat Zahra" is uploading anti-national posts with criminal intention to induce the youth and to promote offences against public tranquillity.

Indian Army
Indian security personnel stands guard in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.Reuters

"The Facebook user is also believed to be uploading photographs which can provoke the public to disturb law and order. The user is also uploading posts that tantamount to glorify the anti-national activities and dent the image of law enforcing agencies besides causing disaffection against the country," police said.

FIR filed against Zahra

A first information report has also been filed against Zahra under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code, which punishes those who induce others to commit an offence against the state or against public tranquillity.

Masrat Zahra
Masrat Zahra. Facebook image.

The police said a case FIR No. 10/2020 U/S 13 UA (P) Act and 505-IPC dated 18-04-2020 stands registered in Cyber Police Station, Kashmir Zone, Srinagar and investigation set into motion. 

(to be updated) 

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