February 22, 2024 Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) admitted to removing accounts and posts related to India’s farmers’ protests, citing government directives. Despite disagreeing with the orders, X complied due to potential penalties. This action sparked outcry from activists and journalists, including Mohammed Zubair and Mandeep Punia, who criticized the suppression of free speech and reporting.
The protests, ongoing since February 13, demand minimum support prices for crops. Farmers seek to march to Delhi but face resistance from authorities. The government’s heavy-handed response, including barricades and police deployment, intensified tensions, leading to a protester’s death.
Opposition parties criticized the government’s clampdown, while X challenged the blocking orders legally. The incident highlights the clash between digital freedoms and state control in India, amid upcoming elections.
Sources include: BBC
