X to block over 8,000 accounts in India on government order
New Delhi: Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter and owned by billionaire Elon Musk, announced on Thursday that it will block over 8,000 accounts in India following executive orders from the Indian government. The move comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as a surge in misinformation online.
While X did not publicly name the accounts, it confirmed that the list includes "international news organisations and prominent X users." The platform said it had received no evidence or justification for a significant number of these accounts, raising concerns about the transparency of the government's directive.
The company emphasized that it will withhold the accounts only within India to comply with local laws and avoid potential penalties, including heavy fines and possible imprisonment of its local employees.
"This decision was not easy," X said in a statement. "We disagree with the Indian government's demands, which we believe amount to censorship of both existing and future content, and violate the fundamental right to free speech."
X has begun notifying affected users about the impending action and urged them to seek legal remedies through the courts. The platform reiterated its commitment to transparency and stressed the importance of public access to government orders, although it stated that legal constraints prevent the publication of the executive directives at this time.
The company also stated it is exploring all available legal avenues in response to the government's action.
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Gauhati HC schools Assam govt over allotment of 3,000 bighas of tribal land to private firm
Asks, "Are you giving an entire district? Is this a joke?"
Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has strongly criticised the Assam government’s decision to allot nearly 3,000 bighas of tribal land in Dima Hasao district to a private cement company, Mahabal Cements, for mining operations. The court emphasised that public interest should take precedence over private gains.
During a recent hearing, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed astonishment at the land allocation, saying, “3,000 bighas! The entire district? What is going on? A private company being given 3,000 bighas? We know how barren the land is, but 3,000 bighas? What kind of decision is this? Is this some kind of joke? Public interest, not private interest, is what matters.”
The observations came after arguments presented on behalf of the company, which claimed that the land was barren and essential for operating its cement plant.
The allotment has drawn criticism from opposition parties and local groups. Earlier, a Congress delegation, led by then state unit president Bhupen Kumar Borah and current Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, met the Governor to raise concerns on behalf of indigenous communities from Borolokhindong, Tharvelangso, and nearby villages.
In a memorandum, the Congress alleged that the government was preparing to hand over nearly 9,000 bighas in Dima Hasao to corporate interests with close links to the ruling BJP, disregarding the rights and sentiments of tribal communities. “This is not just a land issue. It’s about survival and safeguarding the identity of Dima Hasao’s indigenous people,” the memorandum stated.
Reacting to the court’s comments, Assam Congress accused the BJP government of “blatant crony capitalism,” highlighting the alleged favouritism shown to private corporations. In a post on X, the party said, “Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma handed over 3,000 bighas (81 million sq ft) of tribal land to Adani for a cement factory. The BJP government’s actions shamelessly hand over the country’s resources to corporate allies, while the poor are left to struggle.”
The Adani Group on Monday, however, dismissed reports that it has been allotted land by the Assam government for a cement plant in the state, terming them baseless, false, and misleading.
"It has come to our notice that certain news reports, social media posts and clips from court hearings are being circulated, claiming that the Assam government has allotted 3,000 bighas in Dima Hasao to the Adani Group for a cement plant,” the Adani Group spokesperson said.
"We categorically state that these reports and references are baseless, false and misleading. Linking the Adani name to Mahabal Cement is mischievous. Mahabal Cement is not related to, owned by or connected with the Adani Group in any manner whatsoever," the spokesperson clarified according to IANS.
This will blow your mind 🤯🔥
— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) August 17, 2025
Assam BJP Govt gave 3,000 bigha (81 million sqft) to Adani to build a cement factory 🤯
Even the HC Judge got shocked — “Is this a joke? Are you giving an entire district?”
Himanta needs to go to jail, his end is coming 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8WgifsLItO
