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PDP leader Iltija Mufti booked for sharing Geelani video; FIR under BNS 152/156
PDP leader Iltija Mufti was booked after posting a 61-second clip of Syed Ali Shah Geelani on X. The Srinagar cyber police filed an FIR under Sections 152 and 156 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with the posting following a protest she led earlier in the week. Officials warned that others who shared the post could face action.
Why It Matters
The case highlights the use of stringent security provisions in response to online content and underscores ongoing tensions surrounding language policy and administrative reforms in Jammu and Kashmir.
Timeline
5 Events
Urdu language policy context in Jammu and Kashmir (historical background)
1889
Urdu has served as the sole official language for Jammu and Kashmir since 1889 and remains the primary medium for historical land records and revenue documentation, providing context to current language-policy discussions.
FIR filed under BNS Sections 152 and 156; Mufti booked
April 30, 2026
Srinagar cyber police filed an FIR under Sections 152 and 156 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after Mufti posted the clip. Section 152 deals with acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India and is a non-bailable offence; Section 156 pertains to public servants voluntarily allowing a prisoner of state to escape. Officials warned that cases could also be filed against individuals who shared Mufti's post.
Mufti posts Geelani video clip on X
April 30, 2026
Mufti posted a 61-second clip on X featuring late separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani discussing the importance of Urdu. The post followed the Monday protest, according to the article.
Protest led by Iltija Mufti on Urdu policy
April 27, 2026
Mufti led a protest in Srinagar blaming the government for replacing Urdu in the revenue department. Officials Nasir Aslam Wani and Surinder Chowdhary denied the claim.
2020 Official Languages Act context
2020
The 2020 Official Languages Act added Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri, and English to the official-language list. The government reportedly issued draft recruitment rules removing 'knowledge of Urdu' as a mandatory qualification for revenue posts such as tehsildars.