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MHA asks Twitter to block 8 accounts for spreading rumours
Kashmir Times. Dated: 8/13/2019 10:32:41 AM
J&K situation
NEW DELHI, Aug 12(Agencies): Amid a complete communication blockade in Jammu and Kashmir, the central government on Monday wrote to Twitter to block “fake” accounts for allegedly spreading rumours about the prevailing situation in the erstwhile state after the abrogation of Article 370 last week, following which the micro-blogging site suspended four Twitter handles.
Four more accounts are expected to be blocked soon for allegedly being engaged in similar activities, Twitter officials said.
A senior home ministry official, on condition of anonymity, told agencies that eight Twitter accounts have been spreading fake news and misinformation to disturb peace and calm in the Valley.
The officials have flagged the following Twitter accounts — of which one allegedly belongs to the separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani — Voice of Kashmir (@kashmir787), MadihaShakil Khan (@Red4Kashmir), Arshad Sharif (@arsched), Mary Scully (@mscully94), Syed Ali Geelani (@sageelaniii), @sadaf2k19, and @RiazKha723, and @RiazKha61370907.
The Union home secretary had recommended the closure of these accounts with immediate effect.
“We do not comment on individual accounts for privacy and security reasons. Legal requests made to Twitter are published twice-yearly in our Twitter Transparency Report,” a Twitter spokesperson told agencies.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said it will approach Twitter to take action against a handle which falsely claimed about fratricide clashes between two security forces operating in the state.
"This malicious content is strongly rebutted. The matter has been taken up with @TwitterSupport for action," the Jammu and Kashmir Police tweeted.
The move comes amid a near-total communication blackout in the Valley that started on the night of August 4. Cellular and internet facilities were shut first, followed by suspension of all telecommunication services, including broadband and landline after the Centre passed the law to revoke Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.