SRINAGAR: Police have registered FIRs against National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu for allegedly circulating misleading online content, as security restrictions continued for the third consecutive day across the Valley following protests over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The security restrictions imposed by the authorities remained in place to foil further protests against the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Police and paramilitary personnel have placed concertina wire and armoured vehicles on roads at several locations in Srinagar and other vulnerable areas of the Valley to restrict public movement.
Personnel armed with anti riot gear were deployed in strength in Shia dominated areas to prevent protests after incidents of stone pelting and clashes on Monday. Security forces are keeping a close watch on the situation.
The historic Ghanta Ghar Clock Tower in Lal Chowk remained out of bounds for civilians as the area has been sealed with tin sheets and concertina wire by security personnel after thousands of Shia Muslims staged a massive protest there on Sunday and hoisted the Iranian flag atop the structure.
In view of the tension, the authorities have closed all educational institutions in the Valley till March 7. Examinations have also been postponed.
Massive anti US and anti Israel protests took place in Kashmir for two days following Khamenei’s killing in a joint US Israeli strike. There were also incidents of stone pelting and clashes between protesters and security personnel in parts of Srinagar and Budgam.
It is the first time that such large scale protests, along with incidents of stone pelting and the firing of tear smoke shells by security personnel, have been reported in the Valley since the abrogation of Article 370 by the Centre on August 5, 2019.
Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti burnt effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the party office in Srinagar.
“I stand in peace with those who stand in peace with you, and in opposition to those who oppose you, until the Day of Judgment,” Mehbooba posted on X.
Reacting to the filing of FIRs against the MP and the former Mayor, Mehbooba said, “Just because GOI & NC government in Jammu & Kashmir have chosen to remain silent on the blatant aggression by US and Israel against Iran and the martyrdom of its Supreme Leader doesn’t mean that those who speak out are offenders to be booked under the law”.
“The FIR against Aga Ruhullah and Junaid Azim Matoo is egregiously unwarranted and unjust. It must be withdrawn immediately,” the PDP chief said in a post on X.
Police have also launched a crackdown on what they described as a “fake news and misinformation network”. Social media handles of several Kashmir based news outlets, including Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life, Rising Kashmir and Brighter Kashmir, were taken down by Meta.
“Police has taken serious cognizance of the deliberate circulation of false, fabricated and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets, and individuals across electronic and social media platforms,” a police spokesman said.
He said these elements were systematically attempting to spread distorted narratives and unverified content with the alleged intent to incite unrest, disturb public order and create disharmony in society.
“Police has registered FIR No. 01/2026 at Cyber Police Station and several profiles have been identified. The individuals have been summoned to the Cyber Cell,” the spokesman said, adding that the investigation was actively underway and strict legal action would follow against anyone found involved.
Acting on what they described as credible inputs regarding the circulation of false, fabricated and misleading content across digital and social media platforms with the alleged intent to create fear, disturb public order and incite unlawful activities, Srinagar Police registered cases against Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Junaid Azim Mattu.
“The content in question, prima facie, reflects dissemination of distorted narratives and unverified information capable of causing public unrest and societal disharmony. Such deliberate attempts to spread misinformation pose a serious threat to peace, security, and overall stability,” the spokesman said.
Accordingly, FIR No. 02/2026 and FIR No. 03/2026 have been registered under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Cyber Police Station, Srinagar. Investigation into both cases has been initiated and is underway.
Police have also downgraded the security of the NC MP and stopped his Facebook page, while former Mayor Mattu claimed that his security was withdrawn after his public remarks on the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and for speaking against the BJP led dispensation.
