More than 200 websites across India were hacked by a Kashmir-based cyber hackers group calling itself “Z Company hacking Crew” (ZCHC) and
posted pro-Independence slogans and rebel songs seeking freedom for Kashmir on them. Some of the posts from the hackers also declared support for
the Palestinian “freedom” cause.
Many of the affected websites were those of state governments and some top IT companies and colleges. The hacking came on a day when the country
was celebrating its 65th Independence Day. “This message is not for Indian government but common Indian people who don’t know what their government
hides. For those of your politicians who boast of Kashmir being an integral part of India read your own law books (sic),” said a post on the hacked
websites.
A graphic of a veiled youth carrying catapult was also posted on the official websites. The introductory message read, “We observe black day with
the people of Indian occupied Kashmir on 15th August. Free Kashmir. Freedom is our goal. End the Occupation.” The hackers also posted an operative
part of the Indian Penal Code which reads “Indian Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1860) CHAPTER-II SEC 18: India. India means the territory of India
excluding the state of Jammu and Kashmir.” It goes on saying that August 15 was a special day for the Indian people as they got freedom and then
asks if the Indians really deserve to celebrate as their country has enslaved the entire population of Jammu and Kashmir.