Srinagar: The University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has introduced new social media guidelines that restrict employees from participating in online debates or expressing dissenting views, raising concerns about violations of fundamental rights.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the circular distributed by the university’s Registrar, Prof. TH Masoodi, warns against the airing of “disparaging views on various subjects” by university staff on social media platforms. The document specifies that certain behaviors observed among employees do not meet the “acceptable standards of official conduct.” As a result, staff members are now expected to strictly follow these new rules, with any violation potentially leading to disciplinary actions.
This policy is part of a broader trend across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where similar restrictions have been imposed on employees across various departments, curbing their freedom to express views on matters that impact them directly.