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‘Anti-India’ social media posts could cost your passport, says Uttarakhand police chief
- Uttarakhand and Bihar police warn citizens who criticise government online or in streets could be barred from government jobs and services
- Critics say this is latest move to stamp out dissent by Narendra Modi’s BJP government as it comes under increasing pressure over farmer protests
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Police forces in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Bihar have warned citizens that criticising the government on social media or participating in protests could disqualify them from government jobs, bank loans and even obtaining passports.
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The Uttarakhand police chief, Ashok Kumar, announced at a conference last week that the force would scrutinise social media for “anti-national” posts and that people found to be “habitually” posting such content could be refused applications for passports or arms licences. His warning came a day after a similar announcement by SK Singhal, the top police official in Bihar, who said people who joined protests could be blocked from various services including government jobs, grants and contracts.
Critics say the moves are an attempt by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to stamp out dissent and are the latest example of how freedom of speech and the democratic right to protest have been whittled away under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Uttarakhand is ruled by the BJP, while Bihar is ruled by a coalition of the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) or JUD.
The moves come amid rising anger at Modi’s heavy handed response to protests by farmers, thousands of whom have been staging a sit-in along Delhi’s borders to demand the government repeal new laws that will deregulate crop pricing and, farmers believe, leave them too vulnerable to competition from large corporations and market forces.
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Modi’s government has responded by arresting protesters and journalists, alleging foreign meddling and blocking internet access in areas where demonstrators gathered.
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