In a decisive response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Standing Committee on Technology has urged the central government to take swift action against social media influencers and platforms linked to the incitement of violence and the spread of divisive content. This initiative is detailed in a formal memorandum directed to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). The committee has underscored the escalating influence of digital media in radicalizing youth and undermining communal harmony.
The memorandum follows a tragic attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists. The assault has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an identified affiliate of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Investigations revealed a disturbing connection to cross-border terrorism, as one of the attackers, Hashim Musa, was previously associated with Pakistan’s paramilitary forces.
Expressing deep concern about the impact of online influencers in exacerbating tensions, the Standing Committee warned that unregulated social media platforms could play a significant role in perpetuating cycles of radicalization and violence. The committee has called on MeitY and the I&B Ministry to provide actionable regulatory proposals and submit a digital copy of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, by May 8 for further examination.
The Pahalgam incident has sparked renewed national discourse on the dangers posed by the misuse of digital platforms. High-profile politicians, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, have denounced the attack and emphasized the necessity of addressing its wider implications for security and society. In a related development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has announced a reward of ₹6 million for information leading to the arrest of three suspects, two of whom are Pakistani nationals.
As the nation anticipates the ministries’ response, the government faces a complex challenge: balancing the preservation of free speech against the need to prevent digital arenas from evolving into incubators for extremism. The committee’s proactive stance signals a potential tightening of regulations in the digital media landscape, underlining the commitment to safeguarding national security against emerging threats.
