Indian government strikes pro-Khalistani groups, blocks apps, websites of SFJ-linked Punjab Politics TV
The I&B Ministry said that it has “ordered blocking of apps, website, and social media accounts of foreign-based ‘Punjab Politics TV’ having close links with Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), an organisation that has been declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967”.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday blocked applications, website, and social media accounts of foreign-based ‘Punjab Politics TV’, which is linked to banned organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), for allegedly attempting to use an online platform to disturb public order during assembly elections.
In a swift move, which comes barely hours after the Punjab Assembly elections 2022, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting ordered blocking of the channel for ‘attempting to use online media to disturb public order’ during polls.
“Based on intelligence inputs that the channel was attempting to use online media to disturb public order during the ongoing State Assembly polls, the Ministry used emergency powers under IT Rules on February 18 to block the digital media resources of Punjab Politics TV,” the I&B Ministry said in a statement.
“The contents of the blocked apps, website and social media accounts had the potential to incite communal disharmony and separatism; and were found to be detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, 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 ministry added.
It said that the government 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.”
The government had issued orders to ban the pro-Khalistani SFJ under the UAPA in January 2019, which was challenged in the court. But a UAPA tribunal upheld the ban in 2020.
