UP Police Warns Two Journalists For Tweets On Ayodhya

LUCKNOW:Ahead of the Ayodhya land dispute verdict by Supreme Court, the police have been asked to remain vigilant not just on the ground but also on social media. People, especially those who influence opinions, have been warned by the police to delete "political" social media posts or content over the past 24 hours, to avoid any untoward incident or incitement. Among those who received stern warning from police to delete their posts are activist Shehzad Poonawalla and journalist Rana Ayyub of Uttar Pradesh.

Poonawalla was asked by Kaushambi Police to "immediately delete" his tweet, following which he deleted it. Similarly, Ayyub was asked by the Amethi Police to delete her tweet on the Ayodhya Verdict calling it "political comment". Police across states have asked people to exercise restraint while putting out messages or news on social media on Saturday.

"You have just made a political comment. Delete it immediately, otherwise legal action will be taken against you by @amethipolice (sic)" -- the warning to Ayyub came after on Friday she made a tweeted exhorting the Muslim community and using words like "othered". It was also somewhat provocative as she said: "Hope my country does not disappoint me tomorrow." Ayyub's comments were re-tweeted 1,464 times while the Amethi police warning was re-tweeted 2,260 times. Rana Ayyub is a well known journalist working for several foreign publications. She has been trolled for her actions in the past.

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