Politicians misuse of social media, need to act in such cases: J&K Minister Sakina Itoo

Jammu and Kashmir Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Sakina Itoo on Thursday, February 12, 2026, flagged the issue of misuse of social media platforms by politicians in J&K to tarnish the image of rivals and sought a mechanism to act swiftly against such aberrations on par with fake news peddlers.

Speaking during Zero Hour at the J&K meeting, Ms. Itoo said, “If there is anyone at the top when it comes to misuse of social media or fake news, it is politicians. They use social media platforms like Facebook to tarnish and defame their rivals. We trace most of such videos to the hands of politicians and political parties first. We have to take action against them first. Politicians need to check themselves first.”

He said the government should hold a meeting with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to create a mechanism that can take quick action against such intrusions on social media. “At present the DIPR does not have the authority to seek penalties for such conduct,” he added.

In a rare show of support from the opposition BJP, legislator RS Pathania said the DIPR has issued 28 rebuttals in 2025. “Is there coordination between DIPR and J&K Police? There are many channels on Facebook that are damaging the social fabric, democracy and governance. A doctored video about me was uploaded by a national party. I approached the government and police but no action was taken. There is a need for an enforcement mechanism.” Mr Pathania said.

He demanded a dedicated Media Monitoring Cell in DIPR for real-time tracking of fake news.

In response to questions from MLA Pathania, the J&K Government said that it has proposed a regulatory framework for new and social media in the draft New Media Policy-2026; this draft is “currently in the inter-ministerial consultation stage for finalization”.

“All departments have appointed special officers to monitor department-specific fake news and these officers have been provided with login IDs to upload debunkers on a special portal,” the J&K Government said.

The government said the legal framework regulating social media platforms is primarily based on the Information Technology Act 2000, particularly Section 69A, which allows blocking of content in the interest of public order and national security, and is complemented by the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Code of Ethics) Rules, 2021.