Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday witnessed heated exchanges and protests over the alleged misuse of social media platforms, with legislators demanding strict action against those circulating misleading videos of public representatives.
The issue came to the fore during Question Hour when National Conference (NC) MLA from Karnah, Javid Mirchal, protested against a news portal for uploading a video showing him scrolling through social media during the session.
“When I was asking a question about doctors, I opened Facebook for a few seconds. A video of that moment has been circulated online, defaming me,” Mirchal said, adding that he “could not sleep the entire night due to the harassment faced on social media.”
Terming the act as an attempt to malign legislators, he sought stern action against those responsible. NC’s Nazir Gurezi backed Mirchal’s demand, saying the MLA was actually viewing business documents sent by the Assembly Secretariat. “His constituents are accusing him of wasting time in the House because of this misleading video. We are moving a privilege motion against the portal,” Gurezi said.
The Speaker assured the protesting lawmakers that the matter would be taken up seriously and necessary action would follow.
In a separate incident, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also raised concern in the House over a “distorted social media reel” allegedly portraying him and Minister Sakina Itoo in a misleading manner.
Clarifying the context, Choudhary said he had tied a Rakhi to Itoo as a mark of respect and brotherhood. “She is like my sister. The gesture was purely out of affection and respect, but some people twisted it for social media sensation,” he said.
Condemning the act as “shameful and unethical,” the Deputy Chief Minister urged authorities to take strict legal action against those who created and shared the video. “Such mischief not only disrespects individuals but lowers the dignity of public representatives. I request that their accounts be deleted and legal proceedings initiated,” he said.
Several legislators across party lines supported Choudhary’s statement, warning that the growing misuse of social media to defame lawmakers had become a serious concern.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured the House that both matters would be examined thoroughly and appropriate measures taken against those responsible.
(With inputs from local news agencies KNO and KNT)
