X (Twitter) handle of Outlook India was withheld in India on Sunday, along with that of Srinagar-based Kashmir Life, adding to a series of recent account blocks on media outlets and journalists amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
The Indian government has ordered the removal of access to several prominent handles, including The Kashmiriyat, Free Press Kashmir, and Maktoob Media, sparking widespread condemnation from civil society and the journalistic community.
In a statement, X expressed disagreement with the government’s actions, calling it “censorship” and contrary to the fundamental right to free speech. “Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary but amounts to censorship,” X said, vowing to explore legal avenues.
The silencing of The Kashmiriyat, a key outlet in Kashmir, has evoked widespread condemnation.
“Withholding X accounts of @KashmirLife, @FreePressK, @TheKashmiriyat & journalists like @AnuradhaBhasin_ & @MuzamilJaleel is a direct assault on press freedom. In times of tension, truth is vital. I urge CM @OmarAbdullah to intervene & uphold democratic values,” Doda MLA Mehraj Malik tweeted.
Aga Muntazir Mehdi, senior PDP leader, tweeted, “GOI must withdraw arbitrary measures of blocking access @AnuradhaBhasin_ @TheKashmiriyat @FreePressK who had rejected hate and jingoism and insisted on Peace and Justice.”
Journalists, activists, and civil society members have called for the immediate restoration of these accounts.
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
