Social Media Accounts Blocked in India Amid Rising Tensions
Social Media Accounts Withheld
Multiple accounts on the social media platform X, particularly those critical of the Union government, have been restricted in India since Wednesday. The platform indicated that this action was taken following a legal request.
There has been no official clarification regarding the reasons behind the account restrictions.
The Congress party has condemned the blocking of these accounts as unacceptable. The Internet Freedom Foundation expressed its concern on Thursday regarding the reports of numerous accounts and posts being withheld.
Surge in European Gas Prices
Gas prices in Europe surged by 35% due to supply concerns. This spike was prompted by Iranian attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf, including Qatar’s primary liquefied natural gas complex, as retaliation for an assault on its refinery on Wednesday.
Qatar reported significant damage to the Ras Laffan industrial complex, which houses the largest liquefied natural gas facility globally. The Iranian strikes also targeted the Habshan gas facility and the Bab oil field in the UAE.
On Thursday, foreign ministers from 12 Arab and Islamic nations stated that Iran's actions could not be justified under any circumstances and urged the country to cease its attacks.
Ukraine's Embassy Responds to Arrests in India
Ukraine’s embassy in New Delhi has suggested that the detention of six Ukrainians in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act may have been “orchestrated and politically motivated”.
The six individuals were part of a group of seven foreign nationals apprehended by the National Investigation Agency for allegedly plotting terrorist activities against India. The seventh individual is a citizen of the United States. They were arrested last week in Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow while attempting to leave the country.
Kyiv has denied any implications of involvement in supporting terrorist actions, according to the embassy.
Political Tensions in Delhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of inciting riot-like conditions in Delhi, particularly in the Uttam Nagar area. He urged the residents of the capital to resist provocations.
On March 4, a man named Tarun Bhutolia died from severe injuries sustained during a clash at Holi celebrations. The conflict was triggered when a water balloon accidentally thrown by an 11-year-old girl struck a Muslim woman below.
This incident has heightened tensions in the locality, with Muslim residents expressing fears about potential violence during Eid on Saturday.
In response to a petition for urgent action to prevent communal violence, the Delhi High Court directed police and local authorities to implement measures to ensure the situation remains calm.
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