Srinagar, March 5, KNT: The journalist fraternity in Jammu and Kashmir has appealed to the government to reconsider the decision of blocking several social media accounts of media houses and individuals, saying that restricting credible news platforms could inadvertently lead to the spread of misinformation.
Senior journalists urged authorities to differentiate between “noise” and “news”, stressing that professional media organizations play a key role in providing verified information during sensitive situations.
The appeal comes amid recent protests in parts of Jammu and Kashmir following reports about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after which authorities reportedly withheld access to dozens of social media accounts in India.
Among the accounts reportedly affected are those belonging to some leading Kashmir-based media organizations, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir and Kashmir Life, along with several individual handles.
Journalists said that credible news outlets help counter rumours by presenting verified information from the ground, and blocking them could create a vacuum that may be filled by unverified sources.
“If credible news platforms are blocked, misinformation can spread rapidly because people begin relying on unreliable sources,” a senior journalist told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Members of the media fraternity said that professional media houses have consistently played a constructive role in reporting developments, highlighting issues of public interest and contributing to peace-building efforts in the region.
They added that it would be unfortunate if isolated incidents were used as a yardstick to judge the overall role of credible media organizations, while their broader contribution to responsible journalism is overlooked.
Meanwhile, police have repeatedly appealed to media organizations and social media users to act responsibly and avoid spreading misinformation, particularly during sensitive developments.
Journalists have urged the authorities to review the restrictions and restore access to the social media accounts of credible media houses, emphasizing that verified journalism remains essential for maintaining transparency and public trust. [KNT]
