India bans social media amid social unrest in disputed Kashmir

A ban on social media has been brought into effect in Indian-administered Kashmir

Twenty-two social media services, including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, have been included in the one-month ban as part of efforts to clamp down on violence in the region.

The state government said the services were being misused by "anti-government elements" to incite violence.

Graphic videos that have circled online claim to show abuses on both sides.

At least nine people have died in recent widespread violent clashes with the security forces in the disputed region.

Other social media services, communications tools and websites to have been banned under the order include YouTube, Skype, Telegram, Snapchat and Reddit.

The state government order said "objectionable contents" were being distributed to "spread disaffection" with the authorities.

Confrontations in Indian-administered Kashmir have become frequent since the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani by security forces last July.

The latest bout of violence began on 9 April when eight people were killed and scores injured after police clashed with protesters during a by-election in the city of Srinagar.

Since then, hundreds of students have protested on the streets, chanting anti-India slogans and throwing stones at the security forces.