[Reader-list] AMU blocks Facebook, says it ‘hurts religious sentiments’

[Javed]

This is ridiculous.

AMU blocks Facebook, says it ‘hurts religious sentiments’

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) administration has blocked
Facebook on the campus, claiming that the content posted on the social
networking website could hurt religious sentiments.

University spokesperson Rahat Abrar said: “It has been done keeping in
mind the objectionable posts related to Islam on Facebook. It hurts
the religious sentiments of Muslims and it may flare up passions.”

Interestingly, Abrar himself has a Facebook account.

The order to block the site was issued a fortnight ago, but there was
no official announcement in this regard. When the site did not open in
various departments, people called up the university’s computer centre
and were informed that the site has been blocked.

AMU has its own internet facility on the campus, which is available at
various departments of studies, engineering college, medical college,
polytechnic, faculty and the library. Those using this facility can no
longer access Facebook.

President, Central University Research Scholars’ Association, Jasim
Mohammad said the university’s decision was “curtailment” of their
freedom. “Facebook is not only an entertainment medium, we often
remain connected with other research scholars abroad through it. It is
a Talibani diktat by the administration,” he said.

Sources said the decision may have been prompted by the use of
Facebook by students for mobilising opinion against the university
administration on various issues. There is an AMU community account
that uploads news related to the university.

In April 2011, following the death of a student leading to sine die
closure, the AMU Community had launched a ‘Remove V-C’ campaign on
Facebook. A campaign for restoration of the students’ union was also
launched.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/amu-blocks-facebook-says-it-hurts-religious-sentiments/923486/