New Delhi: In a surprising development, the Indian government has directed social media company X to block a pair of handles which are active in criticising and countering pro-Khalistan propaganda in Canada, reported Hindustan Times.
Mocha Bezirgan, a Calgary-based independent journalist, and Journalist V, who divides his time between Toronto and the Bay Area in California, were informed by X’s legal department about the “legal removal demand” from Indian government on Thursday.
As per the notice, it was deemed that the content of the blocked accounts “violates India’s Information Technology Act, 2000.”
X told the users Indian law “obligates” it to “withhold access to this content in India” but it will remain available elsewhere.
Bezirgan has reported from multiple pro-Khalistan events in Canada, including a referendum in Calgary last weekend which was organised by secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
He has been accused of being part of a spy network run by India, with his image used in a post from SFJ.
Bezirgan has received threats, including a message last month when a person identifying himself as Arshdeep Hans wrote, “Your days are numbered. I’m coming to Calgary soon. Ima kill you when I see you.”
Journalist V, in a message to Hindustan Times, said, “As a freelance journalist covering issues faced by the diaspora in North America, I was shocked to find my Twitter account withheld in India. Other journalists reporting on pro-Khalistan extremism in North America have faced similar restrictions.”
“My goal was to bring out factual information regarding the presence of pro-Khalistani extremism in North America that has become an increasing concern for the Indian diaspora,” he said.
