sarfarazmulla retweetledi
India’s media blackout following #OperationSindoor, a military offensive framed as a strike against terror bases in Pakistan, began with the targeting of Pakistani news outlets and has since expanded to include independent Indian media.
Social media accounts of at least two political commentators and a journalist have been blocked, with reports of one journalist’s arrest. Platforms like Maktoob Media, Free Press Kashmir, and The Kashmiriyat which have reported on civilian casualties and state violence are now inaccessible. Meanwhile, mainstream outlets like Republic TV have circulated unverified claims, including labeling a civilian killed in Pakistani shelling as a terrorist.
The state’s actions align with broader patterns of digital authoritarianism, where control over digital infrastructure is used to suppress dissent and control narratives. By restricting access to independent reporting while amplifying state-aligned disinformation, the government is consolidating information control under the guise of national security. This follows an established model, where censorship, surveillance, and media suppression intersect to limit press freedom. #DigitalAuthoritarianism #PressFreedom #India #Kashmir
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