Covert censorship

Sir, - I am a subscriber to VSNL's internet service with the following email address skaziknde.vsnl.net.in. Since September end, 2000, I noticed that all emails to and from me to Middle East Socialist Network (MESN) could neither go through nor reach me. MESN is an e-group with 123 members across the world who receive messages regarding news and political developments in that region. Its members are largely researchers or people interested in political events and struggles in that region. Anyone can access the MESN website and messages at www.egroups.com/group/mesn.

After futile attempts to set things right myself, I came to know from the MESN moderator that my account had, for some unknown reason, been ``blocked'' by my server. On October 31, upon visiting the VSNL office at Bangla Sahib Road, it was confirmed by VSNL that my account had indeed been blocked. Upon inquiring as to why this had been done without my knowledge or consent, one of VSNL's managers - Mr. Goel from the Customer Services Section - informed me that since ``Muslims have links with Pakistan and because of reasons of security'', they had taken this step. Upon protesting this covert, undeclared censorship, Mr. Goel, with a grandiose gesture, declared ``We can do anything''. He alleged that ``some people'' had complained against me - an allegation which he has failed to prove or substantiate. MESN only emails its subscribers, and also has an anti-spamming policy, so the question of anyone receiving any unsolicited mail from MESN does not arise.

My mail was ``unblocked'' after filing a written complaint and meeting a couple of other managers! Needless to say VSNL is still to account for its outrageous unwarranted policing and censorship of my mail. I would like to ask Mr. Goel and VSNL: is this how you treat your Muslim customers? Are we, once again, to be collectively branded and placed in the ``suspect'' category due to the prejudice and communal bias of VSNL officers?

Seema Kazi,

New Delhi

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