Prominent political activist Waqar Hussain Bhatti has been booked by the Jammu Kashmir Police for derogatory language against a particular religion.
According to the copy of the FIR, accessed by The Kashmiriyat, Waqar Hussain Bhatti has been booked under Section 299 (outraging religious sentiments), Section 196 (promoting animosity between two groups), Section 351 (criminal intimidation), Section 352 (insulting with intent to breach peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Waqar, who is also a member of Altaf Bukhari’s Apni party, was arrested from his home in Rajouri on February 17 and lodged in the Rajouri police station.
Roohi H Bhatti, Waqar’s wife, confirmed his arrest to The Kashmiriyat, stating that he was pulled away from home in an inhumane manner. She alleged that the police personnel who arrested him did not inform the family of any charges. “He is not a criminal but a law-abiding citizen,” she said. “Harassing the entire family, the village for this is inhumane.
The complaint against Waqar was filed by one, Abhishek Sharma, who as per Waqar’s close associates, is said to be an associate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“The accused Waqar H. Bhatti appears on national TV channels and has been using derogatory and defamatory language against the Sanatan Dharm (Hindu religion). He also spreads hate through his social media accounts including Facebook and YouTube (channel named: Waqar H Bhatti) and has deliberately and repeatedly posted content that promotes enmity, and hatred among communities”, the copy of the FIR read.
The applicant in his complaint further said, “The accused has a history of committing similar offenses and is a habitual offender, constantly engaging in activities that disturb public order. So I request you to take immediate legal action to prevent further disturbance to communal harmony and public peace. I shall be grateful for your prompt action on this matter dated February 16, 2025”.
This arrest has evoked widespread condemnation from prominent leaders and activists.
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has expressed deep concern over the arrest of his party colleague, Waqar H. Bhatti, in Rajouri, urging authorities to intervene and secure his immediate release.
“I am deeply concerned to hear that the police have detained one of our prominent party leaders, Waqar H. Bhatti, today in Rajouri. It is strange and worrying that a member of a political party and someone who recently participated in the electoral process as a candidate has been taken into custody as if he were a criminal,” Bukhari said in a statement.