The social media account of Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti has been withheld in India after she shared a video featuring late Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The development has sparked political reactions in Jammu and Kashmir, with the PDP criticizing the action and raising concerns over freedom of expression.
According to available information, the action against Iltija Mufti’s X account came after authorities took note of a video post connected to Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a separatist leader who remained a significant figure in Kashmir politics for several decades. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had previously registered a case related to the circulation and content of the video.
Users attempting to access Iltija Mufti’s account within India reportedly received a message stating that the account had been withheld in response to a legal demand. However, the account may remain accessible outside India depending on regional restrictions imposed by the platform.
The Peoples Democratic Party responded strongly to the development and stated that suppressing political voices would not solve issues related to Jammu and Kashmir. Party leaders argued that democratic spaces should allow discussion and differing political opinions within the framework of the law.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has been politically active in recent years and frequently comments on developments related to governance, security, and civil rights in the Union Territory. Her statements and online posts often attract significant political attention.
The case related to the video has added to the ongoing debate around digital regulation, online speech, and political expression in India. Social media platforms operating in the country are required to comply with legal requests and government directives under existing information technology laws and regulations.
Political observers believe the incident may further intensify discussions regarding the balance between national security concerns and freedom of expression on digital platforms. Similar actions involving social media accounts and online content have previously generated legal and political debate across the country.
Meanwhile, no detailed official statement has been released regarding the specific legal provisions under which the account restriction was implemented. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the matter based on the case already registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Several political leaders and civil society groups have also reacted to the development, with differing opinions emerging over the issue. While some supported stricter monitoring of sensitive content online, others emphasized the need to protect democratic dialogue and political dissent.
The incident once again highlights the growing role of social media in political communication and public discourse in India. Political parties and leaders increasingly rely on digital platforms to connect with the public, making restrictions on online accounts a matter of wider political significance.