The Union government’s alleged action of blocking access to The Wire, an independent digital news platform, has triggered sharp criticism from Opposition leaders who accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of cracking down on press freedom during a time of national crisis.
Terming the action “despicable”, CPI (Marxist) leader Thomas Issac criticised the government for “settling scores” during a time of cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. “It is despicable that the NDA govt. is using war emergency to settle scores with whatever remains of critical journalism in India. The nation has been united in condemning terrorist attacks and supporting the measures taken by the forces. Why then this unilateral action against Wire?” he wrote.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also joined in criticising the ban against The Wire.
“In times of war it is the truth that’s always the first casualty. It began with banning Sanjay Sharma’s 4 PM News & now @thewire_in both silenced for speaking the truth.”
She highlighted the hypocrisy of the government for going after credible media outlets while turning a blind eye to those actively spreading misinformation.
“While every nation may engage in some form of war-time propaganda, what pliable propaganda driven godi media is doing goes far beyond. It’s not just irresponsible but also dangerous.”
“By banning them we’re not just censoring voices but also hammering the final nail into the coffin of true journalism.”
CPI General Secretary D Raja also wrote a letter to Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw about the inflammatory content being aired on news channels. He also mentioned that access to The Wire website has been blocked.
“We urge the Ministry to act decisively against channels and platforms that promote communal hatred and spread falsehoods. Access must be restored to platforms which are responsible and act to maintain national unity.” he wrote.
On Friday, May 9, The Wire accused the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of blocking access to its website across India. In a statement, it said that the government’s action was a clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press.
“We protest this blatant censorship at a critical time for India when sane, truthful, fair and rational voices and sources of news and information are among the biggest assets that India has.”
The Wire said that it was taking all necessary steps to challenge the arbitrary and inexplicable move.
