Concern is mounting across Jammu and Kashmir over the increasing circulation of inflammatory speeches and hate-filled content by self-styled religious preachers belonging to different schools of thought on social media platforms.
Members of civil society, intellectuals and concerned citizens have expressed alarm at what they describe as a dangerous trend of public vilification, character assassination and sectarian rhetoric that is steadily poisoning the social atmosphere and deepening divisions within society.
People said that instead of promoting religious values, tolerance and mutual respect, several individuals claiming to represent religious interests have turned social media into a battleground for personal attacks, abuse and incitement against those holding differing beliefs. Such content, they warned, is creating an environment of hostility and mistrust among communities that have coexisted peacefully for generations.
Citizens described the situation as deeply disturbing, saying that the relentless campaign of hatred and slander has the potential to trigger serious social unrest if left unchecked.
“The language being used is not only irresponsible but dangerous. Every day, videos and speeches targeting individuals and entire schools of thought are being circulated online. This continuous provocation can have grave consequences for society,” said a concerned resident.
Many observers fear that the growing culture of online hate could eventually spill onto the streets, threatening communal harmony and public order. They warned that attempts to inflame passions and exploit religious sentiments for popularity, influence or personal agendas are eroding the foundations of a tolerant and pluralistic society.
Social media platforms, which were once seen as tools for communication and awareness, are increasingly being used to spread divisive narratives, misinformation and sectarian propaganda. Citizens said that unchecked abuse of these platforms is degrading the social fabric and normalizing intolerance among younger generations.
They urged religious scholars, community leaders and social influencers to exercise restraint and uphold the values of respect, dialogue and coexistence. At the same time, they called upon authorities to closely monitor content that promotes hatred, incitement and sectarian discord and to take appropriate action against those found violating the law.
People stressed that differences in religious interpretation should never become a basis for hatred or hostility. They said Jammu and Kashmir’s rich tradition of brotherhood and coexistence must be protected from those seeking to divide society through provocative speeches and inflammatory online campaigns.
Warning that silence in the face of growing extremism could prove costly, citizens appealed for collective efforts to counter hate speech and preserve social harmony before the damage becomes irreversible.
