Early Times Report
Jammu, May 21: Despite repeated warnings from the Jammu and Kashmir administration against misuse of social media, more than 150 government employees are reportedly under the scanner of intelligence agencies for allegedly posting anti-national content through fake social media accounts.
Highly placed sources said that intelligence agencies have intensified surveillance on social media activities of government employees and identified several suspicious accounts allegedly being operated under assumed identities. The majority of those under scrutiny are reportedly employed in the Education Department. According to sources, investigators are tracing the digital footprints and IP addresses linked to these accounts to establish the identities of those allegedly involved in posting content deemed anti-national or aimed at influencing and radicalising impressionable youth.
“Many of these accounts are operating under fake names and are being used to circulate provocative and objectionable content. Intelligence agencies are examining their activities and gathering evidence,” sources said.
The development assumes significance as a large number of employees dismissed by the government in recent years over alleged terror links or anti-national activities were reportedly associated with the Education Department. Of the 91 employees terminated under provisions related to national security, a substantial number belonged to the department, official sources said.
Sources further revealed that intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the online activities of certain government employees suspected of openly expressing support for terrorists, separatist narratives, or other activities considered detrimental to national interests.
The administration has alrea “Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the online activities of certain government employees suspected of openly expressing support for terrorists, separatist narratives, or other activities considered detrimental to national interests.”
To reinforce these directives, the Union Territory administration had issued a detailed circular outlining the dos and don'ts for government employees while using social media platforms and digital communication channels.
The circular noted that despite the existence of a clear legal framework and service conduct rules, instances continue to surface where government servants engage on social media in a manner inconsistent with their official responsibilities.
It highlighted that some employees have been found using platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram and other digital forums to express views on sensitive political, communal or security-related issues, despite being expressly prohibited from doing so under service rules.
The government also observed that certain employees have allegedly engaged in conduct that falls short of the standards expected from public servants, including the unauthorised sharing of official information, dissemination of misleading or unverified content, and expression of political or communal opinions under both real and assumed identities.
Officials said any employee found violating service conduct rules could face disciplinary action, including departmental proceedings and other measures as warranted under the law. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities are continuing their scrutiny of suspicious online activities to identify and take action against those found involved in such violations. |