NEW DELHI, May 9 (The Chenab Times) — Indian Internet service providers (ISPs) have blocked access to independent news website The Wire, citing government orders under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the portal said in a statement on Thursday. The move follows an escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last month.
In a public statement, The Wire condemned what it called a “blatant act of censorship” and said it would challenge the government’s directive. The portal said ISPs claimed the block was ordered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), though some providers attributed the action to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
“This is a clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press,” the statement read. “We protest this arbitrary and inexplicable move at a critical time for India when truthful and rational journalism is needed most.”
While The Wire‘s website remained accessible in parts of country on Friday, users in other regions reported that it was unavailable. The Indian government has not issued a formal statement regarding the block.
The restriction on The Wire comes a day after X, formerly Twitter, said in a now deleted post that it had been ordered by Indian authorities to block access to thousands of accounts, including those of journalists, news organizations, and civil society members. X said 8,000 accounts had been withheld in India under government orders linked to “escalating tensions” in Kashmir.
The crackdown follows an April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India responded with cross-border strikes targeting nine militant camps in Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor, according to officials. On Friday, the Indian Army said drone incursions from across the border were repelled and ceasefire violations were met with “a befitting reply.”
Among the X accounts blocked were those of Maktoob Media, The Kashmiriyat, and Free Press Kashmir. In a statement, X said it complied with the orders to avoid risking a full shutdown in India, despite not agreeing with the government’s demands. The company noted that many of the takedown notices lacked explanations or evidence of legal violations.
“We are blocking these accounts in India only. It’s a difficult decision, but necessary to ensure continued access to our platform,” X said.
The Wire, which has operated for over a decade as an independent news outlet, reiterated its commitment to press freedom. “We will not be deterred from providing truthful and accurate news to our readers. Satyamev Jayate,” the portal said in a message posted on X.
The blocking of news websites and social media accounts has raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who warn that the government’s increasing use of opaque digital censorship mechanisms threatens democratic norms in the world’s largest democracy.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
