Social media users are up in arms against Jammu and Kashmir police for arresting journalist Fahad Shah on Friday for allegedly sharing social media posts with “anti-national” content of “criminal intention” which was “aimed to disturb law and order in the region.”

Shah is the editor-in-chief of an online news organisation called the Kashmir Walla. He was arrested after the police registered a case against him in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

According to Indian news outlet, The Indian Express, the police said Shah’s posts glorified terrorist activities, and caused “ill-will and disaffection” against the country.

Inspector General of Kashmir police Vijay Kumar told Indian media that, “Accused Fahad Shah has been arrested on the basis of one of the three FIRs lodged against him for glorifying terrorism, spreading fake news, and instigating people, for the past three to four years. Court proceedings will be held in the Supreme Court.”

The journalist community has gathered to slam Shah’s arrest and called for his release.

Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir also spoke against the arrest and called it “utter disregard of press freedom and fundamental rights of journalist.”

The independent watchdog body, The Committee to Protect Journalists also criticised the arrest and called for Shah’s immediate and unconditional release.

“The arrest of Fahad Shah shows Jammu and Kashmir authorities’ utter disregard for press freedom and the fundamental right of journalists to report freely and safely,” said CPJ’s Asia programme coordinator, Steven Butler in a statement.

“Authorities must immediately release Fahad Shah, and all other journalists behind bars, and cease detaining and harassing journalists for simply doing their jobs,” he added.

Another Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul was arrested in by the Indian forces on charges of “criminal conspiracy.” Gul was working as a trainee reporter for the Kashmir Walla.

The arrests of journalists raise serious questions on freedom of press in Jammu & Kashmir.