J&K integral part of India, will support govt's action against Twitter: Congress

The Congress party on Monday said that it extends its support to the Central government over the action taken microblogging site Twitter after the site displayed a wrong map of India, showing Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir a separate country. This is the second time Twitter has misinterpreted India's map, as in October 2020, the Central Government had served a notice for geotagging Leh, showing it a part of China.

New Delhi: After Twitter displayed a wrong map of India, showing Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir as a separate country, the Congress on Monday said it will support the Central Government if it contemplates action against the microblogging platform. Speaking to ETV Bharat, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil said, "Jammu Kashmir is an integral part of our country and we have never compromised over this matter. Whether it is planned or a mistake, it doesn't matter. We have our own laws. Whatever action will be taken by the government, the Congress will support it," he said.

READ:Twitter removes distorted map displaying J&K, Ladakh outside India

This distorted map of India was available on the company's website under careers sections on the page titled Tweep Life. This is the second time Twitter has misinterpreted India's map, as in October 2020, the Central Government had served a notice for geotagging Leh, showing it a part of China. Gohil, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, said that the government should follow its own course of action.

However, he also launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was the only leader who praised Twitter during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

READ:Twitter interim grievance officer for India quits

"At that time, the Congress had a government at the Centre. So, it was convenient for Modi Ji to criticize the Union Government on Twitter. Now, when the social media platform is going against his own government, he is trying to stop it. This is wrong," he said.

Recently, Twitter had blocked Union Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's account after receiving a complaint on violation of US copyright law. On the other hand, Prasad had lashed out at Twitter for violating the Information and Technology Act Rules by not giving him prior notice.

READ:Twitter website displays distorted map of India; J&K, Ladakh shown as separate country

"Twitter had blocked Donald Trump's, former US President, account as well for some days. I agree that no social media platform can be arbitrary. But a Twitter user should also avoid violating any terms and conditions," he said.