Speaker Assures Time During Ongoing Session; Members Seek Strict Enforcement
Nadeem Nadu
Jammu, Feb 12 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will hold a discussion on the increasing circulation of defamatory content against legislators on social media platforms, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather announced on Thursday.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, The issue surfaced during the Question Hour as several members expressed concern over online portals and social media handles allegedly targeting lawmakers with unverified and defamatory posts.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), BJP MLA R.S. Pathania raised the matter, stating that certain portals were spreading defamatory material without facing any legal consequences. He urged the government to initiate stricter action to curb the trend.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Sakina Itoo said the matter needs to be taken up with the Information Department to check defamatory content, particularly on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Taking serious note of the complaints, Speaker Rather said that frequent representations have been received regarding such content and called for strengthening the Enforcement Wing of the Information Department. He stressed that such issues must be dealt with firmly.
Minister Sakina Itoo termed the situation a matter of concern for all members of the House, observing that “fake media and Facebook media are going beyond control.” She also remarked that public representatives must avoid maligning one another’s dignity.
Several legislators from different parties demanded a detailed discussion on the issue. The Minister assured that a meeting with the Information Department would be convened to examine the matter comprehensively.
MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi also alleged that certain social media portals were indulging in defamation and character assassination of political representatives.
Responding to demands from both sides of the House, the Speaker said the matter is of significant importance and would be discussed during the ongoing session. He asked members to submit written notices, adding that a half-hour or one-hour discussion would be scheduled.
Later, BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma objected to remarks allegedly made by Panthers Party leader Harshdev Singh outside the Assembly complex. Without naming him directly, Sharma claimed that a former three-time legislator had staged a protest and used derogatory remarks against members of the House.
Sharma alleged that the individual had described legislators as “foolish” while facing multiple FIRs himself, terming it an attempt to tarnish the dignity of the Assembly.
BJP legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia also sought action in the matter.
The Speaker assured members that the issue would be looked into and appropriate steps would be taken. (KNC)