In a crackdown on Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the government blocked the apps, websites, and social media accounts of Punjab Politics TV, which has closed links with the Khalistani sympathizers. According to the Union Home Ministry, SFJ is an Unlawful Association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967

In a swift move, which comes barely hours after the Punjab Assembly elections 2022, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting ordered blocking of the channel for ‘attempting to use online media to disturb public order’ during polls.

“Based on intelligence inputs that the channel was attempting to use online media to disturb public order during the ongoing State Assembly polls, the Ministry used emergency powers under IT Rules on February 18 to block the digital media resources of Punjab Politics TV,” the I&B Ministry said in a statement.

The Press Information Bureau said that the blocked accounts and handles pose threat to India’s unity and sovereignty. The PIB Twitter handle also shared images of content aired by the blocked channel Punjab Politics TV.

In December, the government blocked 20 YouTube channels

The I&B Ministry’s action is in line with its recent moves, wherein, in December last year, it had ordered the closure of 20 YouTube channels and two websites for spreading anti-India propaganda and fake news.

“The channels and the websites belong to a coordinated disinformation network operating from Pakistan and spreading fake news about various sensitive subjects related to India,” the ministry had said in a statement after the action.