The FIR was filed after Mufti shared a video of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, sparking criticism and allegations of soft-pedalling separatism.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti. (PTI Photo)
Cyber Police Kashmir has registered an FIR against PDP leader Iltija Mufti and others for allegedly glorifying a secessionist figure linked to an unlawful association banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The action follows Mufti’s recent post on X, where she shared an old video of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, referring to him as “Geelani Sahab” while speaking about the importance of the Urdu language. The video shows Geelani alleging that people were being deprived of the Urdu language, even though religious literature in India, Pakistan and other countries exists in the language.
In her post, Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti, stated that she may not agree with Geelani’s ideology but highlighted his views on Urdu as relevant.
“May not concur with Geelani Sahab’s ideology, but this old video of him stressing on the importance of Urdu makes sense, among other reasons. Worth a watch,” she wrote on X.
The remarks triggered sharp criticism online, with several users accusing her of soft-pedalling separatism.
Geelani, a prominent figure associated with the Hurriyat Conference, had long been linked to pro-secession and pro-Pakistan positions. Several organisations aligned with his ideology have faced bans under anti-terror laws over the years.
FIR No. 11/2026 has been registered at the Cyber Police Station, Srinagar, and an investigation has been initiated. Officials said that, prima facie, the case discloses cognisable offences under Sections 152, 196(1), and 353(1)(b), (c) and (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Section 152 (BNS) pertains to acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, including attempts to incite secession, armed rebellion or subversive activities, while Section 196(1) (BNS) deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds such as religion, race, place of birth, residence or language, and acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
Other sections added include Section 353(1)(b), (c) and (2) (BNS), which cover statements, rumours or reports circulated with the intent to incite fear, alarm or public disorder, including content that could disturb public tranquillity or incite offences against the state or public order.
Police have also advised the general public to refrain from creating, sharing or circulating such unlawful content on social media and digital platforms, warning that any individual found involved will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
BJP leader Sajid Yousuf Shah had sought the registration of an FIR against Mufti for sharing the video of Geelani. He wrote on X, “Posting videos of someone responsible for the bloodbath in the Kashmir Valley while seeding hate and promoting separatism — from Mufti onwards — faces no accountability. The real issue is not just them, but every individual supporting the PDP, whether in New Delhi or elsewhere. How many FIRs have been filed against her or Mehbooba Mufti? If the same thing had been tweeted by a common person, they would have been behind bars. But is this how the system works, giving them a free hand so they can gain additional votes? Why is our system so selective?”
The FIR comes amid Mufti’s recent protests against the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to remove Urdu proficiency requirements for certain revenue department posts, a move she has termed an attack on the region’s linguistic identity.
Kashmiri Pandit groups and other local voices have flagged what they describe as double standards, arguing that ordinary citizens sharing similar content would face stricter action. They have also questioned the public referencing of figures accused of promoting separatism and violence in the Valley.
Srinagar, India, India
April 30, 2026, 13:13 IST
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