District administrations in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, have jointly implemented strict regulations on social media platforms to curb the spread of provocative and communally sensitive content. The orders, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, are effective for 60 days unless earlier modified or withdrawn.
The Chenab Times has learned that the directives stem from escalating concerns among officials regarding the misuse of popular social media channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram, for disseminating misleading information and content that could disrupt public order and communal harmony.
In Reasi district, District Magistrate Kumar Abhishek announced a comprehensive ban on the circulation of inflammatory digital material. This includes prohibitions on sharing content that promotes communal hatred, spreads misinformation, or incites violence. The order also specifically targets the circulation of morphed or misleading images and videos, the online mobilization of unlawful assemblies, and content deemed offensive to religious sentiments or disruptive to public peace.
Authorities in Reasi have warned that violations of these directives will be met with stringent legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Penalties may include imprisonment and fines, contingent on the severity of the offense.
Similarly, Kishtwar District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma issued orders emphasizing the necessity of maintaining social harmony within the district’s diverse community. The administration identified the propagation of false narratives and inflammatory content on social media as a significant threat to peace. Residents are urged to refrain from sharing unverified information and to promptly report objectionable content. A key aspect of the Kishtwar directive makes social media group administrators jointly accountable for monitoring and preventing the dissemination of prohibited material within their groups.
The Kishtwar administration also referenced Article 19(2) of the Constitution, underscoring that reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech are permissible when necessary for the interests of public order and national integrity.
In Ramban, District Magistrate Mohammad Alyas Khan enacted similar preventive measures, prohibiting the online dissemination of fake news, hate content, and provocative material. The order explicitly bans the sharing of content that could incite communal tensions or facilitate the organization of unlawful gatherings. Offenders in Ramban face potential stringent punishments, including imprisonment under relevant legal provisions.
Furthermore, social media intermediaries operating in Ramban have been directed to comply with takedown requests issued under Section 69A of the IT Act. Failure to adhere to these requests could result in legal action against the intermediaries themselves.
Across all three districts, Senior Superintendents of Police have been assigned the responsibility of enforcing these orders and ensuring swift action against any individuals found violating the regulations. Dedicated cyber monitoring units are to operate continuously to identify and counter the spread of objectionable content. Magistrates at the sub-divisional level will oversee the implementation of these measures.
Citizens have been strongly advised to exercise due diligence by verifying information from official sources before sharing it online. They are also encouraged to report any suspicious or inflammatory content encountered on digital platforms to the respective law enforcement agencies.
Officials have characterized these actions as a crucial preventive step aimed at safeguarding peace and stability in regions known for their rich cultural and religious diversity. The administrations have appealed to residents to adopt responsible online behaviour and cooperate in preserving communal harmony.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
