Indian-controlled Kashmir gov't bans social networking sites

The local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday ordered a ban on social networking sites for a period of one month.

As per the directive internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been asked to stop transmission of around 22 social networking sites with immediate effect.

The banned sites include Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Whatsapp, QQ, WeChat, Ozone, Tumblr, Google plus, Baidu, Skype, Viber, Line, Snapchat, Pinterest, Telegram and Reditt.

"Any message or class of messages to or from any person or class of persons relating to any subject or any pictorial content through the social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, QQ, We Chat, Qzone, Tumbir, Google+, Baidu, Skype, Viber, Line, Snapchat, Pinterest, Telegram, Reddit, Snapfish, You Tube (upload), Vine, Xanga, Buzznet and Flickr shall not be transmitted in the Kashmir Valley, with immediate effect, for a period of one month or till further orders, whichever is earlier," a directive issued by the government said.

Any violation of the order shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of law, the directive said.

Officials said the order was issued in wake of an increasing trend which was witnessed with regard to "misuse" of social media, like Facebook, Twitter etc by the "elements inimical to public order and tranquility".

"It has been observed that such elements are transmitting objectionable contents, to spread disaffection amongst public at large in Kashmir Valley against the state administration and the security forces, with a view to inciting them to commit various offences at large-scale, cause damage to life and property and disturb peace and tranquility," the order reads.

"It is being felt that continued misuse of social networking sites and instant messaging services is likely to be detrimental to the interests of peace and tranquility in the state."

Mobile internet service on 3G and 4G already remains banned in the restive region for the past two weeks.

Initially on April 9, internet in the region was suspended on the day of Indian elections in Srinagar constituency that saw widespread protests and killings of eight civilians.

Following the elections a series of brutal videos went viral on social media highlighting human rights situation in the region. The amateur videos evoked sharp condemnation and underlined the widening gulf between government forces and people.

The video war was triggered after a mobile phone recording showed young Kashmiri boys kicking and heckling Indian paramilitary troopers of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed on election duty in Budgam district.

Following telecast of the video on television news channels and websites, more videos surfaced on the internet showing government forces brutally killing a young boy and thrashing young men in their captivity.

However, of these chilling videos, a man tied to the front of military jeep with ropes as human shield and an announcement on public address system in the background cautioning residents "this will be the fate of stone pelters" became the iconic image.

A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Endit