Meta blocks Instagram post on Kashmir pellet victim Insha Mushtaq in India

Meta has restricted access to a report on Instagram in India about Insha Mushtaq, a Kashmir woman blinded by pellet guns during protests in 2016. The restriction applies to a link to The Hindu's report, with Meta citing legal requirements under India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.

The message displayed on the link, as seen on Saturday afternoon, stated: “We restricted access to this content pursuant to legal requirements under India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.” This indicates the action was taken in response to a legal demand rather than a spontaneous content policy decision.

Insha Mushtaq, then a Class 8 student, was studying by a window when security forces fired pellets at protesters in July 2016. Dozens of pellets struck her eyes, causing permanent blindness. Her case became a symbol of the injuries suffered by civilians during the unrest in Kashmir Valley that year.

The renewed attention on pellet guns followed protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 20, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and youth activists. The Supreme Court was also hearing petitions challenging the use of pellet guns, which have been criticised for causing severe injuries including blindness. In response to the renewed scrutiny, the Jammu and Kashmir administration announced an LPG dealership for Ms. Mushtaq, a decade after her injury.

The 2016 protests erupted after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces. Over 6,000 civilians sustained pellet injuries during the months of unrest, leading to widespread condemnation of the use of such projectiles in populated areas. The issue has been a recurring subject of litigation and public debate.

This is not the first time Meta platforms have restricted content in India under the IT Rules. The rules, enacted in 2021, require intermediaries to comply with government orders to block content that is deemed a threat to national security, public order, or in violation of other legal provisions. Critics argue that such provisions can be used to suppress dissenting voices, while authorities maintain they are essential for maintaining law and order.

The restriction on the report about Insha Mushtaq has drawn attention because of the humanitarian dimension of her story. While the legal basis for the block has been cited, the specific reason for removing access to this particular article has not been made public. The Hindu declined to comment, and Meta did not provide further details beyond the automated message.

Content moderation decisions by global platforms in India have become a subject of intense scrutiny, especially when they involve political or social issues. In this case, the restriction on a report about a civilian victim of police action raises questions about the boundaries between legal compliance and freedom of expression. For Ms. Mushtaq, the action adds another layer to a story already marked by suffering and delay in government support.