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Google Maps in Kashmir: Tool of Convenience or a New Front in the Propaganda Battle?
Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir — Authorities in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have arrested a young man from Rawalakot’s Khai Galla area on charges of spying for India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), allegedly in exchange for money.
According to a First Information Report (FIR) registered at Thana Panjgran in Muzaffarabad on July 23, the accused — identified as Muhammad Ubaid Jahangir, son of Muhammad Jahangir Shahid and resident of Khoiyan, Khai Galla (Rawalakot) — is accused of sending GPS coordinates and details of Bilal Mosque and Nala Shoai in Muzaffarabad to Indian handlers via WhatsApp. The FIR also claims he received financial compensation in return for the information.
Officials allege that Jahangir continued to share “sensitive data and details of key installations” with Indian intelligence. A case has been registered under the Official Secrets Act, and he remains in custody in Muzaffarabad.
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Local residents of Khai Galla told reporters that the accused maintained links with the proscribed militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (Jamaat-ud-Dawa). They alleged that his uncle, Shaukat (son of Samandar), is a known figure in the banned outfit and serves as a caretaker of a Jamaat-ud-Dawa mosque. Community members also noted that the family originally migrated from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir before settling in Khai Galla.
This is not the first such case. In March this year, another man, Saqib Ghani, said to be associated with Jamaat-ud-Dawa, was detained on accusations of having ties with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). At the time, Pakistani authorities claimed that Indian agencies were backing such networks to destabilize the region.
The latest arrest has reignited debate in AJK about cross-border intelligence operations, the role of banned outfits, and the continuing security challenges in the territory.
Meanwhile, a separate controversy has emerged after an AJK minister, just days before renewed tensions between India and Pakistan, gave an interview near a mosque in which he reportedly pointed out a specific Google Maps location. While some critics claim the minister disclosed sensitive information, others argue that such data is already publicly accessible, raising questions about the motive behind the statement.
Social media users have accused the minister of carelessness, warning that highlighting such locations could be misused as a political tool against the people of Kashmir amid growing regional hostilities.
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