India shuts down popular news portal 'The Wire'

Indian authorities have blocked access to the website of 'The Wire', one of the country’s leading independent news portals, according to a statement issued by the outlet on Friday.

'The Wire' said its domain had been taken offline following orders from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Information Technology Act of 2000. The news organisation condemned the move as “naked censorship” and a violation of press freedom.

The publication added that internet service providers (ISPs) had given conflicting explanations regarding the action but that it had confirmed the order came from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

“At a time when India needs a healthy, truthful and impartial media the most, such steps are harmful to the country,” 'The Wire' said in a statement posted to its verified Facebook page.

It also thanked readers for their support over the past decade and said it would pursue legal action against the government order.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, during which India has also blocked several Pakistani YouTube channels and Instagram accounts.