The Social Media platforms, WhatsApp and Facebook might be banned by the government in the valley to control the rumors spreading across platforms about the valley. This option is being considered by the government after several videos of violence have spread across the platforms leading to the ire of the country.
Previously the government had banned 4G and 3G services on Monday in the valley to stop spreading of the videos on Social Media. The LAN connections, however, have been retained in the valley. This is the third time in the fortnight that the government has stopped internet connection, once before the bypolls on April 9 and the second time on Monday. This is an attempt to control rumors and also the movement of mobs to disrupt the polls.
Speaking to a digital media, a senior leader of PDP had said, “We have advised chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to shut Facebook and WhatsApp groups responsible for spreading rumor and circulating videos. Facebook is used to circulate videos that raise passion and mobilize crowds. This is also an option provided by the security agencies.”
However many opine that the shutting down of internet connections is not a solution to violence. A meeting chaired by J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti also considered these options. The ministers advised that with increasing violence, it will be better to snap the internet in the valley for few weeks. Police officers also shared this opinion and said that they have requested the CM to place a ban on the Social Media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to control the spread of false rumors.
This decision came after violence erupted in the valley during bypolls and videos surfaced of armed policemen being beaten up and a youth was tied to army jeep as a human shield from stone pelters.
