Digital Restrictions Ratchet Up After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Following the latest terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that took the lives of 26 people, India has ramped up its digital crackdown on Pakistani institutions. The latest instance is the suspension of the Instagram account of Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem in Indian cyberspace.
This action comes after a series of wider steps by Indian officials, which in the past consisted of blocking access to several Pakistani YouTube channels and social media handles. The latest removal of Nadeem's account is another step towards India's attempt to regulate the online presence of people linked with the neighboring nation.
Background: Diplomatic Fallout and Social Media Sanctions
India has blamed Pakistan-based organizations for conspiring to perpetrate the attack on Pahalgam. In response, Indian authorities have taken a number of diplomatic and administrative measures involving the deletion of social media messages that are construed to be either associated with Pakistan or its citizens.
Sportsman Arshad Nadeem had recently made headlines after his show at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he won a gold medal in the javelin throw competition with a throw of 92.97 meters. Even though his sporting exploits, his online presence has now been curtailed in India.
The government had previously targeted other Pakistani nationals' accounts, such as public personalities like YouTuber Haniya Amir. These moves are being presented as part of a broader digital security policy.
Diplomatic Exodus and Visa Constraints
In tandem with these digital limits, India has initiated imposing fresh visa restrictions on Pakistani nationals staying in the country. A timeframe has been reported, which forced more than 780 Pakistani nationals, including diplomats, their family members, support staff, and certain Indian citizens holding Pakistani visas, to vacate.
55 Pakistani diplomatic officials have left along with them, as a very severe de-grading of bilateral diplomatic interactions.
Current Developments
India has not publicly outlined the specific legal or policy processes employed for the social media suspensions. However, measures seem to be consistent with its overall approach of prioritizing national security following the attack.
The situation is still developing, with more administrative and online measures anticipated as diplomatic relations are strained.
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