A popular Instagram page called @Muslim, known for sharing news and stories for a global Muslim audience, has been blocked in India. The page had over 6.7 million followers, but Indian users can no longer access it. When they try, they’re met with a message saying the account is "not available in India" due to a legal request from the Indian government.
The move has triggered outrage online. Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, the founder and editor-in-chief of the @Muslim page, called it a clear act of censorship. “Meta has suspended the @Muslim account at the legal request of the Indian government. This is censorship,” he said in a statement. He also mentioned receiving countless messages from Indian fans who are upset and confused about the block.
So far, Meta (the company behind Instagram) hasn’t directly explained its decision. Instead, it pointed to a general policy stating that it sometimes restricts content in specific countries when required by local law.
The timing of this block is important. It comes just as tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated to dangerous levels — some of the worst military conflict the two nations have seen in the past 20 years. Reports say artillery has been exchanged across the border, with at least 43 people killed. India has accused Pakistan of supporting an attack on tourists in Kashmir, while Pakistan denies any involvement and has promised to respond to Indian strikes.
Alongside this conflict, social media platforms have been flooded with misinformation — fake videos, altered images, and viral posts that stir up fear and anger. Amid this chaos, governments on both sides are cracking down on digital content.
India has also blocked more than a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels, claiming they were spreading inflammatory or misleading information. Some big names were hit, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, popular singer Atif Aslam, actor Fawad Khan, and cricket stars like Babar Azam and Wasim Akram.
Despite the block, Al-Khatahtbeh said @Muslim will continue doing what it’s always done — sharing stories and speaking truth to power. He apologized to his followers in India and thanked them for their support, saying the ban only proves that the page is making an impact.
Meanwhile, as fears of a wider conflict grow, U.S. President Donald Trump has stepped in, urging both India and Pakistan to calm the situation. He’s offered help from Washington to try and bring peace.
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