Daijiworld Media Network - Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah, Apr 5: Tensions flared in Bhaderwah town of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, triggering protests and a partial shutdown following a contentious social media post allegedly made by a leader of a Hindu organization. In response to the unrest, authorities have also suspended internet services in the Doda district's Bhaderwah area.
The communally sensitive town witnessed demonstrations and a partial bandh as residents voiced their outrage over the online content. Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhaderwah, Vinod Sharma, informed reporters that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the accused, identified as Virender Razdan, and that police are actively conducting raids to apprehend him. The SP appealed to the public to maintain peace and communal harmony during this sensitive time.
Razdan, who heads the Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah, is accused of posting communally charged material on his social media account, which incited strong disapproval from members of both the Hindu and Muslim communities.
On Saturday, Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah organized a protest march from the local Jamia Masjid to the Bhaderwah police station. Participants chanted slogans demanding the immediate arrest of Razdan for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims. The protesters dispersed peacefully after the SP assured them that appropriate legal action would be taken against the accused. However, in response to a call by Anjuman, shops in the town remained partially closed.
Riyaz Ahmed Najar, the president of Anjuman-e-Islamia, stated, "The peaceful protest will continue until the culprit is arrested. This is not an isolated incident; he has a history of making such controversial remarks against our religion. He is a repeat offender and must be dealt with according to the law in the larger interest of peace and brotherhood."
SP Bhaderwah confirmed that a case under Section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered against Razdan at the Bhadarwah Police Station, and efforts to locate and arrest him are ongoing. "I urge all concerned individuals to remain calm and uphold communal harmony, as the law will undoubtedly take its course. The administration will not tolerate any form of disturbance," SP Sharma emphasized, adding that multiple search operations are underway to apprehend the accused.
Officials have confirmed that mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in Bhaderwah town and its surrounding areas as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of further unrest.
Senior BJP leader and District Development Council (DDC) member from Bhadarwah West, Thakur Yudhvir Singh, condemned the "unfortunate post," clarifying that Razdan's objectionable content was uploaded in his personal capacity and that the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah has no association with the post.
Doda Police also issued a statement on X, saying, "An FIR has been registered against the person responsible for uploading irresponsible content on a social media site. Action as warranted under law shall take its due course. Remain cautious. Do not share or forward messages/videos spreading communal hatred."
Bhaderwah town has a nearly equal distribution of Hindu and Muslim populations. Historically, there have been instances where disruptive elements have attempted to undermine the peaceful coexistence between the two communities.