Ramban Apr 17: In a coordinated move to safeguard public order and communal harmony, district administrations in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban have issued separate orders imposing strict restrictions on the misuse of social media platforms. The directives, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will remain in force for 60 days unless modified or withdrawn earlier.

Officials across the three districts cited growing concerns over the spread of provocative, misleading, and communally sensitive content on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram.

Reasi cracks down on online misuse

In Reasi, District Magistrate Kumar Abhishek announced a comprehensive ban on the circulation of inflammatory digital content. The administration has prohibited sharing material that promotes communal hatred, spreads misinformation, or incites violence.

The order also bars the circulation of morphed or misleading images and videos, online mobilization of unlawful assemblies, and content that hurts religious sentiments or disturbs public peace.

Authorities warned that violations could invite strict legal action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines depending on the severity of the offence.

Kishtwar emphasises monitoring and accountability

In Kishtwar, District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma issued similar restrictions, stressing the need to maintain harmony in the district’s diverse social fabric. The order highlights the misuse of social media for spreading false narratives and inflammatory content as a serious threat to peace.

Residents have been directed to refrain from sharing unverified information and to report objectionable content to authorities. Social media group administrators have been made jointly responsible for monitoring and preventing the spread of prohibited material.

The administration has also invoked provisions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, emphasizing that reasonable restrictions on free speech are permissible in the interest of public order and national integrity.

District Magistrate Ramban issues preventive measures

In Ramban, District Magistrate Mohammad Alyas Khan issued a parallel order prohibiting the dissemination of fake news, hate content, and provocative material online. The directive bans the sharing of content that incites communal tensions or organizes unlawful gatherings.

Authorities have cautioned that offenders may face stringent punishment, including imprisonment under relevant legal provisions. Social media intermediaries have also been directed to comply with takedown requests under Section 69A of the IT Act, failing which legal action may follow.

Strict enforcement across districts

In all three districts, Senior Superintendents of Police have been tasked with enforcing the orders and ensuring prompt action against violators. Dedicated cyber monitoring units will operate round the clock to track and curb the spread of objectionable content, while magistrates at the sub-divisional level will oversee implementation.

Citizens have been advised to verify information from official sources before sharing it online and to report any suspicious or inflammatory content to law enforcement agencies.

Preventive step for peace.

Officials described the measures as preventive, aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region, which is known for its cultural and religious diversity. The administrations have urged residents to act responsibly on digital platforms and cooperate in preserving communal harmony.

The synchronized action across Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban underscores heightened vigilance by authorities to counter misinformation and ensure public tranquility in sensitive areas.