Digital Desk: The Centre on Tuesday (February 22) ordered to block the apps, website, and social media accounts of the foreign-based “Punjab Politics TV,” which has close ties with the banned organization ‘Sikhs For Justice’ (SFJ).
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in an official statement, said, “Relying on intelligence inputs that the channel was attempting to use online media to disturb public order during the ongoing State Assembly Elections, the Ministry used emergency powers under the IT Rules on February 18 to block the digital media resources of Punjab Politics TV.”
The restricted, blocked apps, websites, and social media accounts contained content that might instigate communal strife and separatism and were judged to be harmful to India’s sovereignty and integrity, state security, and public order, the statement added.
“The launch of new apps and social media accounts was also seen to be timed to acquire popularity during the ongoing elections.” the statement said.
“The Indian government is attentive and committed to safeguarding India’s overall information environment and thwarting any activities that could jeopardize the country’s sovereignty and integrity.” it added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had indicated earlier this week that the Centre had taken “serious” note of a pro-Khalistan group’s letter endorsing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi delivered a letter supposedly written by the SFJ in Gurmukhi to the home minister, along with a personal message claiming the incident was “serious” and jeopardized the country’s security and integrity.
“No one will be permitted to tamper with India’s unity and integrity.” Shah said in response to Channi’s letter.
He had previously stated that it is highly condemnable that certain people go to the lengths to join hands with separatists and even split Punjab and the country to gain power.
According to Channi, the SFJ letter stated that it had backed Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP in the Punjab assembly elections in 2017 and will do so again in upcoming elections.
The polling for the Punjab assembly elections took place on February 20, and the results will be announced on March 10.
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