PUNJAB, India—There have been a strong hints of the government attempting to curb the flow of information and news by exploring blocking the internet in Punjab.
News outlets in Punjab appear to be avoiding focus on the current crisis, with only snippets of details being presented occasionally.
TV stations, including the independent news media channels, have been quite silent, whilst newspaper outlets have allegedly not had their flow of information suppressed.
‘Street news’, however, still seems to be spreading extensively via social media platforms. A network of information is flowing freely using mobile technologies at the fingertips of the majority of the population.
On Tuesday, police directly targeted journalists when a UK based television channel Akaal TV had it’s reporters arrested and cameras smashed. The reporters were then later released.
Messages such as the following have been circulating. “Make all attempts to upload to Youtube, even if they have to go out of Punjab or send cell phones out of Punjab to other Gursikhs in states where internet is. Again, please record anything and everything…!”
The disturbances began two days ago when thousands of Sikhs sat down in protest at the lack of investigation at the deliberate desecration of a copy of Guru Granth Sahib in the area of Faridkot.
The police charged the congregation who sat on the floor singing hymns, who then retaliated by fighting back. The police opened fire resulting in deaths of members of the congregation. Major cities in Punjab have now joined the protests too. Protesters have closed major routes with mass sit-ins, in cities such as Jallandhar and Amritsar Sahib, amongst many others.
Has the situation been affecting you? If so, you can submit photos and videos to [email protected] or Whatsapp +1-860-631-7454
