Srinagar: The Indian police have filed a chargesheet against a resident of Pulwama district in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), marking a significant development in the region’s ongoing tensions.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the chargesheet was filed in a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Pulwama and pertains to cases registered at the Awantipora police station. The individual in question, Hijaz Nazir Magray, is accused of supporting pro-freedom groups within the district.

Indian authorities assert that this action is part of a comprehensive strategy to dismantle logistical and financial networks that allegedly support pro-freedom activities in Pulwama. However, critics argue that this move is indicative of a broader attempt to suppress dissent and compel Kashmiris to align with the prevailing governmental narrative.

The use of the UAPA, often described as stringent, has been a point of contention among human rights advocates who argue that it is frequently employed to curb free expression and political dissent. The charges against Magray have further intensified these concerns, reflecting the ongoing complexities in the region.