Waheed Para Raises Concerns Over Government’s Push to Revive Social Media Monitoring Policy
PDP leader Waheed Para warns that renewed social media monitoring in J&K undermines post-election freedoms
Srinagar, Nov 5: PDP leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Wednesday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government for reintroducing social media monitoring orders, calling the move contrary to the spirit of recent elections.
In a statement on X, Para said the people of J&K voted to end fear and regain their voice, not to face renewed restrictions on free expression. He highlighted that the government’s decision to monitor online activities exclusively in Jammu and Kashmir raises concerns about fairness and intent.
“The people voted for dignity and the freedom to speak. Yet new directives have been issued to track and limit online activities measures not enforced anywhere else in the country,” Para said.
He urged Chief Minister to clarify the administration’s stance, noting that the CM also oversees the Information Department. Para warned that administrative directives citing “vigilance” and “monitoring” were being used to curtail journalists and silence dissenting voices, undermining open governance and public trust.
Calling for transparency and accountability, Para emphasised that elections were meant to restore confidence among the people of J&K, not impose another layer of restrictions on free speech.
