Srinagar, June 1 -- A terrible crime in Budgam lately triggered a wave of anger and grief online. Social media quickly filled with outrage, condolences, and heated debate.

Then came something else: memes, sarcastic reels, mocking comments, and casual jokes.

A whole district suddenly became the target.

That cycle has become painfully predictable in Kashmir.

The rape and murder of a young girl in Galwanpora recently shocked the valley, filling homes with grief, fear and anger. As demands for justice grew louder, the din and debate soon veered in a different direction.

Social media feeds filled with comments turning Budgam into a joke. Thousands joined the pile-on. One crime became an excuse to paint an entire district with a broad brus...