A government order directing Whatsapp users to apply for a license has drawn flak while netizens on social working sites including facebook and Twitter have come down heavily on what they term a new ‘diktat’ from PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir. However, some netizens welcomed the government decision and suggested that only recognized media houses should be allowed to operate News Groups on Whatsapp.Pertinently, Government on Tuesday issued a circular asking users to apply for a license before starting any news group on Whatsapp. “It is impressed upon all the Admins of WhatsApp news groups of the district to get the registration of their WhatsApp news groups in the office of undersigned within 10 days,” the circular reads. The circular is signed by the District Magistrate of Kupwara. The Additional District Informatics Officer at Kupwara will be in charge of the District Social Media Center.This Center will be responsible for registration of the WhatsApp groups, and will also keep a track of messages shared on these groups.The circular also states that group admins will be responsible for any and everything that is shared on the WhatsApp groups. It also carries a stern warning that action will be taken against admins who do not register their groups, and also if a group were to share ‘irresponsible remarks/deals leading to untoward incidents’.
Majority of the netizens on social networking sties criticized government for the circular. “You incompetent politicians, do something that could mitigate the sufferings of the people in Kashmir, don’t harass them mentally,” writes a user on his twitter account. Another using while mocking at the government has written, “This is called innovation from the government which thinks that restriction on the use of whatsapp will solve every problem.”“Where can I apply for license to use @Whatsappin #Kashmir ? Are we gonna have a Regional Whatsapp Officer to issue those?” writes Foud Farooq on his Twitter handler. Sarcastically a facebook user while responding to a post writes, “Just chill, government is on boil, once it’s temperature will come down, circular will disappear too.” However, there are others who hailed the government decision and suggested that news groups on whatsapp should be banned for good in Kashmir. “Whatsapp is meant for friends not for spreading rumours. The ugly part of these news groups is that you can’t locate a rumour monger,” writes a facebook user. “Whatsapp journalist on prowl, it will be a service to humanity if government checks them. Allow only recognized media houses not individuals to operate Whatsapp groups,” writes a journalist. (CNS)