Legislators demand stern action against fake news, misinformation
Jammu: Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, announced on Thursday that the House will hold a half hour discussion on online smear campaigns against legislators during the ongoing budget session.
During Question Hour BJP MLA R.S. Pathania said the issue of fake news concerns the entire world as well as Jammu & Kashmir. “This issue also concerns the sensitive land of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Pathania added that he had approached different departments and authorities after a national party shared a doctored video of him, but no action was taken against it. “My colleague Pawan Gupta has lodged complaints against an unverified channel, but no action has been taken against it,” he said, demanding stern action against fake news and misinformation.
The Speaker also expressed concern over the issue, stating that such complaints are frequently received. “He (Pathania) rightly said the enforcement division should be activated. This is a question of someone’s honour. The Hon’ble members have expressed concern over it last year as well as this year. These acts should be tackled sternly. Anyone can say whatever they want,” the Speaker remarked.
The Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Ittoo said that a meeting would be held with the Information Department over the issue. “The concern of the member is the concern of the entire House. We cannot explain how they have wreaked havoc. Every day someone is maligned,” she said.
MLA from Gurez, Nazir Gurezi, said that a defamatory video was circulated against him, accusing him of taking money in lieu for jobs. He requested the Chair to hold an hour long discussion on the issue.
Intervening further in the matter, Sakina Itoo added that politicians themselves were responsible for circulating defamatory content against each other. “If anyone is responsible for it, it is we politicians. We are maligning each other. These videos first appear on the social media accounts of politicians,” she said.
Responding to these concerns, the Speaker announced that the House would discuss the matter. “This issue is extremely important. Demands for discussion are coming from both sides. We will hold a discussion. Please give notice in writing. We will hold a half hour or one hour discussion on this matter during this session,” he said
