Modi’s Critics under Strict Surveillance in IIOJK: Phone Hacking by Pegasus Spyware

Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, has reported that her phone was hacked by Pegasus spyware. She stated that the spyware was procured by the Modi-led Indian government from Israel.

In a post on X, Iltija revealed, “Got an Apple alert that my phone’s been hacked by Pegasus which GOI (Government of India) has admittedly procured & weaponised to harass critics & political opponents.”

She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of targeting women leaders who do not conform to their agenda. “BJP shamelessly snoops on women only because we refuse to toe their line. How low will you stoop?” she added.

The Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israel-based NSO Group, can take control of mobile phones with just a missed call on WhatsApp. This revelation adds to the growing concerns over privacy and surveillance in India.

The use of Pegasus spyware has been controversial worldwide, with allegations of it being used to target journalists, activists, and political opponents. Iltija’s claim brings this issue to the forefront in Jammu and Kashmir.

Iltija’s allegations have sparked a debate on the ethics and legality of using such invasive technology against political opponents. The Modi government’s alleged use of Pegasus raises questions about the extent of surveillance in India.

The hacking incident highlights the broader issues of digital privacy and government surveillance. The ability of Pegasus to infiltrate phones without the user’s knowledge is a significant threat to personal security.

Critics argue that the use of such spyware undermines democratic principles and violates the right to privacy. Iltija’s case exemplifies the potential misuse of technology for political gain.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of surveillance and control in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been under intense scrutiny and heavy military presence since the abrogation of Article 370.

Iltija’s revelation calls for a thorough investigation into the use of Pegasus spyware by the Indian government. Transparency and accountability are crucial to addressing these serious allegations.

Conclusively, Iltija Mufti’s claim of her phone being hacked by Pegasus spyware underscores the urgent need for safeguards against invasive surveillance. The implications for privacy and democracy in India are profound and demand immediate attention.