Social media activist placed on terror watch list

Report: Siraj Uddin

PESHAWAR: A social media activist from Lotkoh has been placed on terror watch list.

Sher Jahan Sahil has been placed on Schedule IV of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 – terror watch list – for his alleged involvement “in promoting sectarianism and hatred between different religious groups and sects in Chitral.”

Schedule IV of ATA 1997 deals with people who are not directly involved in terrorism activities but whose affiliation with banned outfits or previous criminal record makes them suspicious.

They are kept under surveillance by the police to remove the possibility of their involvement in any terrorism activity in future.

In a memorandum (available with ChitralToday) issued from the office of the district police officer (DPO), Sher Jahan Sahil, a resident of Narkorate Garam Chashma, was informed that: “You have been placed in the list of Schedule IV Under Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 vide notification No (Police-1/HD/11–2/2020) dated April 28, 2020.”

Mr Sahil was accused of propagating and touching upon sectarian issues and targeting the civil administration and law enforcement agencies.

Besides, he was accused of misusing social, electronic and print media in furtherance of sectarian and communal interest.

“Targeting the religious leaders of both the sects and inciting sectarianism in district.”

The memorandum also accused him of “Maligning the security forces and law enforcement agencies on social media.”

He was also accused of uploading “unethical posts which can promote and harm peace of Chitral.” Besides, being social activist, misrepresenting, inculcating/indoctrinating the people with the ideas against religious leaders, state and institutions.

Based on the above, the competent authority under ATA 1997, gives following directions as per section 11-EE of ATA 1997 for strict compliance:

1. You are required to furnish two surety bounds each amounting to one million rupees, pledging to remain peaceful and not to violate directions of this order.
2. You will ensure prior intimation to officer incharge (SHO) police station Lotkoh before leaving the territorial limits of the said police, and you shall immediately report to the police station concerned of the visit and purpose of it.
3. You are directed to visit the police station Lotkoh on a weekly basis to get your presence in the area ascertained.
4. You will not visit the following areas without taking prior permission from the officer incharge of the police station: Any educational institution of the area, any public meeting promoting sectarian/religious hatred and foreign projects and sensitive installations.
5. Besides other restrictions, Mr Sahil cannot post, share, or upload any material negatively affecting the image of armed forces and law enforcement agencies, including police and district administration.

in addition, future directions will be issued subject to your conduct and and behaviour.

“In case of violation of these instructions, you will be proceeded against under relevant law and FIR shall be lodged under section 11 EE (4) which has punishment of imprisonment up to three years or fine or both.”

In another order, the fourth scheduler was directed to submit to the area police the following documents:

Details of monthly income and expenses, details of movable and immovable property, details of bank accounts and financial transactions, business activities and sources of income and investments.

When contacted, DPO Lower Chitral Wasim Riaz confirmed to ChitralToday that the social media activist from Lotkoh had been placed in the list of Schedule IV under ATA 1997. He said a leader of the JUI Chitral was also included in the list.

According to a list issued by the National Counterterrorism Authority (NACTA), 22 Chitralis, including Mr Sahil, are in the Schedule IV of ATA 1997.