Jalandhar, In a move that has stirred controversy and raised concerns over freedom of speech, the Narendra Modi-led government has withheld approximately 100 social media accounts associated with the ongoing farmers’ agitation in India. These accounts, belonging to farmer union leaders and supporters of the farmers’ cause, were suspended as the protesters prepared to resume their march to Delhi to press for their demands.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the action comes amidst calls from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, two major bodies spearheading the farmers’ protests, for farmers across India to join them in Delhi today. Protesting at the borders between Punjab and Haryana, farmers are demanding a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for crops, a pension scheme for farmers and farm laborers, a waiver of farm debts, and no increase in electricity tariffs.
Farmer union leader Gurpreet Sangha, in an interview, highlighted the government’s crackdown on their digital platforms, stating that around 100 social media accounts were withheld in India on Tuesday, just a day before the scheduled march to Delhi. Sangha himself experienced the suspension of three of his X (formerly Twitter) accounts, consecutively made after each was blocked in India, indicating a deliberate attempt by the government to silence their campaign.
“The government’s message is clear: they will not let the farmers speak, leaving no room for debate on the rights or wrongs,” Sangha remarked. Despite the crackdown, Sangha assured that the protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi would proceed, regardless of the number of farmers that manage to reach the site. He emphasized the organic nature of the announcement, expecting farmers from regions beyond Punjab and Haryana to lead the protest.
This incident marks the third instance of social media account withholdings by the Indian government in response to the farmers’ protests since they began on February 13. Previous instances occurred on the eve of similar calls to march to Delhi, with over a dozen accounts withheld on February 12 and several more across platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram following the call on February 21.
Farmer union leaders have criticized this pattern of suspending social media accounts as a tactic employed by the Modi government to thwart their efforts to mobilize and express their grievances publicly. The withholding of these accounts underscores the ongoing tension between the government and the agricultural community, which has been protesting a series of laws they argue would undermine their earnings and favor large corporations.
Lahore, In a significant move towards supporting its workforce, the Punjab Police department, under the leadership of Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar, has announced the allocation of 75 lakh rupees for cochlear implant surgeries for the hearing-impaired children of five police employees. This initiative is a part of the department’s mission to ensure the complete and early recovery of every child suffering from hearing loss within the police family.
According to Punjab Police, this funding aims to provide these children with the opportunity to lead a normal life by enabling them to hear. The press release detailed the beneficiaries of this fund, including the children of Sub-Inspector Muhammad Maqsood, Constable Kashif Zahoor, Constable Abdul Rahman, Constable Abdul Wahab, and Constable Muhammad Shahbaz. Each family has been granted 15 lakh rupees for the surgery of their child, with the procedures to be conducted at Ever Care Hospital Lahore.
Dr. Usman Anwar emphasized the department’s commitment to the welfare of its employees’ families, stating that the initiative is part of the broader “Hamare Phool” project. This project also supports children suffering from thalassemia and cerebral palsy by providing a monthly stipend of 10,000 rupees for their medical treatment. The funding for cochlear implants marks a continuation of the department’s efforts, following the earlier release of funds for the surgeries of 15 children, 13 of whom have already undergone the procedure.
The Punjab Police’s dedication to the health and welfare of its personnel’s families highlights the importance of supporting employees’ well-being beyond the workplace, ensuring that their children have the necessary medical care for conditions such as hearing impairment. This initiative not only aids in the children’s development and integration into society but also strengthens the morale of the police force by providing tangible support for their families.