Srinagar, November 5, 2025 : PDP MLA Waheed Para on Wednesday criticised the latest government move to monitor and restrict social media activities in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a selective measure that undermines the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression.
“The election in Jammu & Kashmir was fought to end silence, fear and suffocation. People didn’t vote for control — they voted for dignity and the right to speak without fear,” Para said in a post on X.
He said that despite promises to scrap the media and social media gag policy, fresh orders have now been issued to restrict online platforms, a step he claimed is unique to Jammu and Kashmir and “not implemented anywhere else in India.”
His remarks came after the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) launched an exercise to collect details of individuals running or working for digital news portals. Officials said the move is aimed at identifying those spreading fake news or engaging in unethical practices such as blackmail.
Para questioned the Chief Minister’s stance on the matter, saying, “What is the CM’s stand on this? The CM, who also holds the Information portfolio, must clarify whether this is about regulation or control.”
The MLA from Pulwama warned that using “vigilance and monitoring” as a pretext to intimidate journalists and restrict public expression reflects an intent to “control narratives, muzzle truth, and drag J&K deeper into surveillance.”
“Jammu & Kashmir deserves openness, not oppression; transparency, not targeting. This election was fought to restore trust and dignity — not to replace one silence with another,” he added.
