Looks like the ban on the sites (thanks to Rusty!) now known as the “Band of the Banned” will remain. Here’s a PIB Press Release from the Indian Government:
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has instructed all the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country to block only the specified website/webpages on the parent website. The DoT, in its letter issued to all the ISPs has mentioned that it had come to notice that in some cases the parent website had been blocked in contravention to what was stated in its earlier order dated 13th July 2006 whereby it ordered the ISPs to block certain websites/webpages.
As such the DoT has now directed all the ISPs to strictly comply with the order dated 13th July 2006 and provide unhindered access to Internet except for the websites/webpages which have been specifically mentioned in its orders issued from time to time.
The DoT has further sought explanation from the erring ISPs as to why action be not taken against them for blocking unintended websites/webpages.
RM/AMA- 200706 Webpages blocking
Yep, someone’s definitely being appeased.
HAT TIP: Pirate’s Cove
UPDATE (2010 MST): I decided to go straight to the Horse’s Mouth, in this case the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Yes kids, you too can write in, but you only have 500 characters to work with:
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
As an American citizen, I am truly disappointed at your government’s denial of access for my weblog to reach your citizens. I have never said anything detrimental about India’s efforts to fight terrorism, which leads me to sadly conclude that your government has taken this action because I dare to criticize and ridicule the REAL enemy in the War on Terror…and you know as well as I do who I am referring to.
It is my hope that you can direct your Cabinet Minister for Communications and Information Technology to rescind the restriction not only against my blog, but also the sixteen others listed in the fax dated July 13, 2006.
Thank you for your attention.