Guwahati: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered the blocking of Sikhs for Justice-affiliated apps, websites, and social media accounts on Tuesday.
The Ministry said in a statement that it has ordered the shutdown of apps, websites, and social media accounts of the foreign-based ‘Punjab Politics TV,’ which has close ties to the SFJ and is considered prohibited under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
“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,” it said.
The Ministry claimed that the restricted applications, websites, and social media accounts had the potential to encourage communal strife and separatism, and were considered to be damaging to India’s sovereignty and integrity, state security, and public order.
“It was also observed that the launch of new apps and social media accounts was timed to gain traction during the ongoing elections. The government of India remains vigilant and committed to secure the overall information environment in India and thwart any actions having the potential to undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity,” it added.
The Ministry had ordered the blocking of 35 YouTube-based news stations and two websites in January, alleging that they were spreading fake news against India through digital media in a coordinated manner.
When the emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021 were first used in December of last year, the Centre disabled 20 YouTube channels and two websites.