Government Directs Social Media to Block Accounts Amid Controversy
Government's Directive on Social Media Accounts
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On Tuesday, the social media platform X reported that the Indian government had instructed it to block 2,355 accounts earlier this month, including two associated with the Reuters news agency. Shortly after, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology clarified that it had not issued any new blocking orders and had no plans to restrict access to major international news outlets.
X indicated that the Indian government requested the account blocks on July 3, with the Reuters accounts being disabled by the evening of July 5. Following public backlash, the government allegedly asked X to restore access to @Reuters and @ReutersWorld. The platform expressed deep concern regarding ongoing press censorship in India stemming from these blocking orders.
X also mentioned that it faces legal limitations in contesting the government's blocking orders. The platform encouraged affected users to seek legal recourse through the judicial system.
Bihar's New Domicile Requirement for Job Reservations
The Bihar Cabinet has mandated domicile status for candidates seeking to benefit from the 35% reservation for women in state government positions. Previously, even non-residents could take advantage of this quota.
The state government also announced the establishment of a Bihar Youth Commission, a statutory body aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for local residents.
These decisions come in anticipation of the upcoming Assembly elections expected in October or November.
Meat Shops to Close During Kanwar Yatra
In Delhi, meat shops will be closed during the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage, as stated by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kapil Mishra. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed officials to ensure that no meat is sold along the pilgrimage route.
Mishra noted that many of these meat shops operate illegally and should not be in business according to the law. He emphasized that they will be specifically shut down during the Kanwar Yatra.
The Kanwar Yatra involves devotees traveling long distances to collect water from the Ganga near Haridwar, which they then transport back to their home states. This year's pilgrimage is scheduled from July 11 to July 23.
Human Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Displacement in Maharashtra
Two human rights organizations have reported that Muslim residents in several villages of Pune district, Maharashtra, have been compelled to leave their homes and close their businesses due to boycott calls from dominant groups.
The People’s Union for Civil Liberties and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights have urged the Pune divisional commissioner to take action against those instilling fear in the communities of Paud, Pirangut, Kolvan, Suatarwadi, and nearby villages in Mulsi taluk.
Following a fact-finding mission on July 2, the groups revealed that residents were instructed not to employ Muslims in any capacity or allow them to reside as tenants. This situation arose after an incident involving a Muslim boy allegedly desecrating a Hindu idol in Paud village on May 2.
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