IIOJK agricultural university bars employees from social media criticisms
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has issued new social media guidelines, prohibiting employees from engaging in online debates and discussions, in a move seen as a complete violation of fundamental rights.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the circular, issued by the university’s Registrar, Prof. TH Masoodi, expresses concerns about staff expressing critical viewpoints on social media platforms. “It has been observed that University employees while using different social media platforms have been seen to air disparaging views on various subjects,” the circular states.
The directive further notes, “Employees have been seen to comment or act or behave in a manner that does not conform to the acceptable standards of official conduct.” Employees are therefore instructed to strictly adhere to the guidelines, with violations deemed misconduct and subject to disciplinary action.
This is not an isolated incident. Employees in IIOJK have faced similar restrictions across various departments. These repeated impositions of social media guidelines effectively strip employees of their basic rights to freely express their views on issues that concern them.
