Handwara fallout: J&K govt orders local Whatsapp groups to register with authorities

As Kashmir continues to simmer after police firing at Handwara on 12 April, the state government on Tuesday announced that all Whatsapp groups that share local news must register with district authorities within 10 days.

According to Asghar Samoon, divisional commissioner, Kashmir, the order was issued keeping in mind law and order in Jammu and Kashmir.

"There are many unauthorised news groups on WhatsApp that disseminate news," said Samoon. "It's not restricted to just chatting, they have thousands of followers who post news without verification and many times lead to law and order problems."

Group administrators are now responsible for rumours that spread on Whatsapp.

The order includes a directive that bans government employees from commenting on official policies on Whatsapp, according to the Hindustan Times.

"Government employees are for implementation of policies, if they have grievances or suggestion they can be put forward through proper channel not in public forms. In many cases government employees were seen instigating violence,'' said Samoon.