MT Desk: In yet another move reflecting the shrinking democratic space in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities have directed teachers in Baramulla district to refrain from criticising Modi-led Indian regime’s policies on social media, warning them of punitive action, including dismissal from service.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an order issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Baramulla, cited “misuse of social media platforms” by teaching and non-teaching staff as interference in policy matters and a violation of government instructions issued in 2023. The directive stated that such actions would invite disciplinary measures ranging from censure and fines to demotion or dismissal from service.
The order instructed all officials to report any violations “without fail” to higher authorities and warned employees against engaging in “unwarranted debates or sharing inappropriate content” online.
Reacting sharply, political and civil society leaders have termed the move a blatant attempt to silence voices and curb the basic right to freedom of expression.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Para said the directive reflects the regime’s growing intolerance toward dissent in the territory. He said, “In an already numb Jammu and Kashmir, this order warning teachers against raising their voices is deeply concerning. A government that came to power on the promise of empowering people is now silencing the few remaining ones.”
Meanwhile, in yet another instance of stifling free speech in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian police in Budgam have filed a case against the administrator of a Facebook page, Kashmir Speaks, accusing it of “spreading false information” on social media.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an FIR has been registered at Khansahib Police Station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections after the page posted a report alleging that a horse had been killed for selling its meat in the market at Arizal. Police claimed the report created “unnecessary fear and panic” among locals.
Officials said the case relates to an incident on August 26, in which a horse was killed in Rakhai village.
Rights observers, however, view the action as part of a wider crackdown on online expression in the occupied territory, where journalists, activists, and ordinary social media users are frequently booked for questioning official narratives.
Civil society voices say that by invoking criminal charges over online posts, the Modi regime continues to weaponize laws to silence Kashmiri voices, especially those using digital platforms to share ground realities.
The move comes amid rising concern over shrinking civic space in IIOJK, where authorities regularly monitor and penalize online activity critical of Indian policies.