Hindutva Watch founder Raqib Hameed Naik announced earlier this week that he received an email from X stating that the Government of India had asserted that theHindutva Watch X account violated sections of the IT Act.
The Hindutva Watch account, which focuses on documenting hate crimes against religious minorities and marginalized groups; and also keeps citizens informed abroad, had its account restricted on X in India due to a legal request. According to The Hindu, the @HindutvaWatchIn handle now shows an empty page with a notice about this action.
Hindutva Watch is an organization dedicated to compiling and disseminating news reports that shed light on the various forms of persecution faced by individuals belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Dalit, and tribal communities in India. Additionally, the organization meticulously records and documents incidents of lynching that occur throughout the country. Hindutva Watch's reach extends globally, with a diverse viewer base spanning across different parts of the world.
Naik mentioned on X that the account restriction came in response to a demand from the Indian government. He expressed deep concern, pointing out that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has repeatedly demonstrated its inclination towards stifling "free press and critical voices," which poses a significant threat to democratic principles and the freedom of expression.
In light of Raqib Hameed Naik's revelation about the account restrictions being a direct request from the Indian government, the concerns raised surrounding the state of the press and freedom of expression in India are both alarming and thought-provoking. The fact that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has displayed a tendency to curtail free press and critical voices raises disturbing questions about the state of democracy in the country.
Democracy, at its core, thrives on the ability of individuals to express their opinions and hold those in power accountable. Any attempt to stifle free press and critical voices undermines the very essence of democracy. By placing restrictions on social media accounts, the Indian government is not only limiting the flow of information and diverse viewpoints but also silencing important voices that play a crucial role in shaping public discourse. The situation calls for a close examination of the delicate balance between national security and the protection of democratic principles.
While it is understandable that governments have the responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens, it is equally important to safeguard the freedom of expression, which is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. It is crucial for governments to find ways to address their concerns without compromising on the rights and liberties that underpin a healthy democracy. It is only through open dialogue and respectful engagement that a society can strive to uphold its democratic values and ensure the voices of its citizens are heard.
While shocking, it's not surprising, considering Prime Minister Modi regime's history of suppressing free press & critical voices.
This won't deter us! We remain committed!
The suppression of our account in India only fuels our determination to continue our work undeterred.- Hindutva Watch Founder Raqib Hameed Naik
In addition to sharing the direct links to Hindutva Watch's various social media channels, Naik ensured that the audience had convenient access to the necessary resources.
What is Hindutva?
Hindu nationalism, also known as Hindutva, is a far-right political ideology that promotes Hindu supremacy. Originating in India in the 20th century through the ideas of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, this concept has remained consistent in its primary goal of transforming India, a constitutionally secular state, into a "Hindu Rashtra" where certain individuals are considered more equal than others. According to Hindutva, Hindus are seen as an ethnic category rather than merely a religious group, drawing parallels with other extremist religious and racial nationalisms, such as white Christian nationalism.
The endorsement of violence by Hindutva has posed a significant threat to various individuals, including scholars and journalists, both within India and internationally. What was once a fringe ideology embraced by a minority of Indians has now become increasingly mainstream in Indian politics in both India and the United States.