Digital Shadows

As internet access grows, so does harassment online, leaving victims anxious, socially withdrawn, and unsure where safety begins.

- Javid Ahmad Zargar

Hina, a 21-year-old college student in Srinagar, remembers the first time a stranger contacted her on social media.

It seemed harmless at first: an innocent friend request. Soon, messages arrived almost every hour, questions about her life, routines, and friends. When she blocked him, new accounts appeared, sending doctored photographs, spreading rumours among her peers. Every notification made her heart race. The internet, once a place of connection, had become a cage.

Stories like Hina's are becoming common in Kashmir these days. Cyber stalking, the repeated use of digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or threaten, is rising as rapidly as internet adoption in the valley. Over 60% of Kashmir's population is under 35, and a growing share of them rely on smartphones and social media for education, work, and social interaction. That makes them particularly vulnerable.

The National Crime Records Bureau recorded over 10,000 cyber stalking cases in India in 2023. Experts believe the real numbers are far higher.

"Most victims do not report because they fear social stigma, family backlash, or reputational damage," said Dr. Saba Shah, a Srinagar-based psychologist. "The harassment is relentless. It follows them home, into classrooms, even workplaces."