Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 31: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly today assured the House that “appropriate action” will be taken against a social media portal accused of circulating a “misleading” video involving legislator Javid Mirchal.
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The assurance came after the legislator raised the issue as soon as the Assembly proceedings began in the morning.
The Speaker said that the matter would be taken seriously and action initiated against the defaulter. “I assure the House that we will take appropriate action against the defaulter,” he said.
Mirchal told the House that a video of him shared on social media on Thursday was “misleading and taken out of context,” which caused him “sleeplessness” due to online harassment and criticism.
“The video was shared out of context. I couldn’t sleep the entire night because of the harassment I faced online,” he said.
He demanded that strict action must be taken against those involved who, he said, tried to tarnish his reputation. “Such channels must face strict punishment.”
Several members joined Mirchal in demanding stern action against the news outlet responsible for spreading misinformation.
MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan called for a privilege motion against the portal for attempting to malign the image of a legislator, saying that such acts undermine the dignity of the House.
“He was seen checking his phone, and a short video was circulated claiming the MLA was using Facebook inside the Assembly, wasting time,” he said.
Those responsible, he said, should be banned. “We are moving a privilege motion. The MLA could not sleep all night; his constituents are questioning him. He has been dishonoured, and action must be taken,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary chipped in as the MLAs raised the issue and also demanded strict action against the news outlet responsible. He suggested banning such violators and urged the media to act responsibly.
“A few days ago, a video was shot when Sakeena was with me, discussing something important. They made reels out of it, which was insulting. We are respectable people-she is like my sister-and they made obscene reels,” he said.
Members, he said, have rightly raised concerns regarding media conduct. “Everyone here is respectable. Media has a responsibility. A strict warning must go out, and such people should be barred from the House.”
The MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat termed the conduct of “callous and irresponsible” media a serious threat to society, stressing that facts and ethics must form the foundation of journalism.
“A serious issue has been brought to your notice, and you have given assurance as well. Callous and irresponsible media is a threat to society and to institutions that protect us,” he asserted.
He stressed that reporting from this House must be rooted in facts and ethics, but, unfortunately, he said, scrutiny of reports often shows distortion of facts.
Bhat also stressed the need for a proper accreditation process for journalists to ensure accountability.
“Streamlining and controlling media is not management-it’s about acknowledgement of genuine journalists. The Director Information must ensure scrutiny so that only those affiliated with recognized organizations are accredited. Today, there’s no accountability; it’s no-holds-barred,” he said.
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