Srinagar Police Crack Down On ‘Deliberate Misinformation’, Register FIR Over Fabricated Kashmir Reports
Issuing a warning, the police said spreading fake news, inflammatory content, or unverified information will invite stringent legal consequences
SRINAGAR: Police in Srinagar announced on Tuesday that they have taken serious note of the deliberate spread of false, fabricated, and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets, and individuals across electronic and social media platforms.
According to officials, an FIR has now been formally registered after content began circulating from the Kashmir Valley following protests and mourning erupted over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei in joint US‑Israeli air strikes.
In a detailed statement, Srinagar Police said that specific individuals and platforms were systematically attempting to disseminate distorted narratives and unverified claims with the intention of provoking unrest, disturbing public order, and creating disharmony. The police emphasised that such misinformation campaigns pose a serious threat to peace, security, and the integrity of the nation, especially in a region where public sentiment can be highly sensitive.
Acting on these concerns, authorities have registered FIR No. 01/2026 at the Cyber Police Station under relevant legal provisions. The police said that several online profiles have already been identified, and the individuals associated with them have been summoned to the Cyber Cell for questioning. Police confirmed that the investigation is progressing actively and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in spreading false or inflammatory content. The police, however, did not mention those accused of disseminating wrong or false information.
Srinagar Police also issued a clear advisory to the public and media organisations, urging them to verify information only through official and credible sources before sharing any material that could potentially disturb communal harmony or public order. The statement reiterated that the police remain fully committed to maintaining law and order and will not allow any attempt to destabilise peace in the region.
Meanwhile, authorities have extended the closure of all schools and colleges across the Kashmir Valley until March 7, the administration announced on Tuesday. Education Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed the decision through an official post on ‘X’, stating: “All schools and colleges of Kashmir Division to remain closed till 7th of March 2026.”
According to the minister’s office, the extension follows a careful assessment of the prevailing situation in the region. Officials said the move is part of a broader set of precautionary steps aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. They added that further updates on the reopening schedule will be issued once authorities complete their next round of reviews. Students, parents, and faculty have been advised to remain connected to official communication channels for timely information.
Earlier in the day, Itoo had indicated that educational institutions in eight districts of the Kashmir Valley were expected to reopen on Wednesday. This followed a two-day shutdown of all schools, colleges, and universities, imposed as a precautionary measure amid heightened tensions.
However, she clarified that the situation in Budgam and Srinagar was still under evaluation. A final decision regarding the reopening of institutions in these two districts, officials had said, would be taken later in the evening after a fresh security review.
The Valley-wide closure, first announced on Sunday, came in response to widespread protests triggered by reports concerning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Authorities said the temporary suspension of academic activities was necessary to prevent any risk to students and to maintain public order during a period of heightened sensitivity.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high‑level meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR) in Kashmir to assess the prevailing law‑and‑order situation in the Valley. The meeting brought together senior police and civil administration officials, including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special DG (Coordination) S.J.M. Gillani, ADGP Armed Anand Jain, ADGP CID Nitish Kumar, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Pandey, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, and several other senior officers.
During the detailed review, the Lt. Governor instructed officials to remain on heightened alert and ensure that all necessary measures are in place to maintain public peace and tranquillity across the region. He stressed the need for proactive coordination between the police and civil administration so that any emerging challenges can be addressed swiftly and effectively.
Sinha also appealed to citizens and community leaders to uphold harmony and contribute positively to maintaining calm and goodwill. He reiterated that preserving peace and sustaining societal progress is a shared responsibility that rests with every individual.
In a post on ‘X’, the Lt. Governor noted that he had chaired the review meeting and once again urged officials to stay vigilant. He also called on the public to cooperate with authorities and support efforts aimed at strengthening communal harmony and social stability.
