Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 30
Jammu and Kashmir legislators on Wednesday debated calls to regulate social media platforms, with ruling National Conference members seeking action against unregistered portals and Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather saying any regulatory mechanism must be backed by law.
The debate took place in the Legislative Assembly after Minister Sakina Itoo, replying on behalf of the Information Minister to a question by NC legislator Bashir Ahmad Veeri, said a House committee had given the Information Department four months to formulate new guidelines.
NC legislators Tanvir Sadiq, Altaf Ahmad Wani and Veeri called for regulation of unregistered social media platforms, alleging that some accounts were publishing distorted versions of Assembly proceedings and making private moments public.
Wani cited an incident in which he was filmed taking chewing gum out of his pocket, saying such footage unnecessarily exposed private moments.
Rather supported the need for regulation, saying the media served as a link between the government and the public but that those operating unprofessionally should be held accountable under the law.
“The media should be regulated. That is good. But a law should be made,” he said, adding that he had previously asked the government to conduct a comprehensive study of media operations and frame guidelines.
NC legislator Nazir Ahmad Khan also called for legal measures, saying the misuse of social media had increased and that carrying a mobile phone did not automatically make someone a media professional.
People’s Democratic Party legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para cautioned against placing the entire blame on the media, saying legislators should also be mindful of their conduct inside the House.
Itoo said political parties and elected representatives had contributed to the rapid growth of social media by routinely using public relations staff to promote their activities.
She alleged that some accounts were operated under names other than those of their actual administrators and criticised the language used in posts targeting ministers and other public figures.
The minister said the number of registered journalists was lower than that of unregistered social media operators but cautioned against blaming media professionals for every problem.
Itoo also suggested that legislators leave their mobile phones outside the Assembly during proceedings and that people operating mobile-based media platforms should not be allowed to carry phones into the House. She said social media posts often presented discussions in a distorted manner.
The debate intensified when Aam Aadmi Party legislator Mehraj Malik sought permission to speak after the House had moved to the next question. After the Speaker declined to allow him to intervene, Malik entered the Well of the House and opposed any move to restrict social media.
“Nobody can impose a ban on social media. Social media has become a powerful tool for raising public issues,” Malik said.
The Speaker directed Assembly security personnel to marshal Malik out of the House as he continued speaking from the Well.
Earlier, Itoo told the Assembly that a House committee headed by senior NC legislator Ali Muhammad Sagar had met on July 13, 2026, and given the Information Department four months to prepare new guidelines.
She said the government recognised the importance of print and electronic media while acknowledging concerns about the lack of regulation of certain online platforms.
