Pak-based group hacks news channel in Assam

A Pakistan-based group hacked a news channel in Assam and broadcast news with the Pakistani flag, confirmed the channel on Saturday.

The group also ran a ticker reading ‘Respect Holy Prophet (PBUH)’ on the channel.

In an official press release, Assam-based news channel ‘TIME8’ said its YouTube account was hacked during a live stream by a Pakistan-based hacking group identified as ‘Revolution PK’ on June 9. “It replaced news broadcast with the Pakistani flag and ran ‘Respect Holy Prophet (PBUH)’ tickers,” it added.

The incident has come in the wake of widespread backlash over now-suspended BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal’s controversial comments on Prophet Muhammad.

Several parts of the country have been witnessing massive protests and violence since yesterday over the inflammatory remarks.

Earlier today, Assam chief minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma said the state government is keeping a close watch on the law and order situation in the state amid communal tensions in other parts of the country.

While speaking to media, Sarma said strict vigil is being maintained to ensure communal harmony in the state. “We are keeping a watch on law and order, and also ensuring that communal harmony is maintained,” he said.

Asked about the comments made by now suspended BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal that triggered violence in some states, Sarma said, “The Government of India has already reacted to it and the statement is in the public domain. After that, I don’t think that a state government has anything new to add.”

The state Congress and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) have filed separate police complaints against Sharma and Jindal for their remarks. Police are, however, yet to register any case on the basis of the complaints. Times Now News