Jammu and Kashmir government calls for public calm, urges vigilance against social media rumours

Amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control with Pakistan, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on May 11 issued a public advisory asking residents to remain calm and refrain from engaging with unverified content circulating on social media platforms.

The advisory, released through the official handle of the Jammu and Kashmir Information and Public Relations Department on X (formerly Twitter), stated:

“The Jammu & Kashmir government appreciates all its citizens for their continued resilience and trust in the face of recent developments. All the necessary measures are being taken, and the government is fully prepared and equipped to handle any situation, and there is no cause for alarm.”

Emphasising the importance of responsible information sharing, the advisory warned against the spread of misinformation, which can potentially lead to unnecessary panic among the public.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defence issued a separate cautionary note concerning fake news that is being widely circulated via WhatsApp. The Ministry urged citizens to rely solely on verified sources for any defence-related information.

“In these sensitive times, a lot of misinformation and fake news is being spread on WhatsApp. Be cautious and follow our WhatsApp Channel for all authentic information related to Ministry of Defence,” it said in a post on X.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration further advised residents to adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as outlined by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and relevant government bodies. It reiterated that reliance on credible news outlets and official government communications is vital for accessing accurate information.

“Misinformation and unverified claims circulating on social media can cause unnecessary panic. The residents are strongly advised to avoid engaging with or spreading rumours. Trust only credible news channels and government communications for accurate information,” the statement read.

The Health Department, according to the government, has also activated its emergency response protocols and remains fully prepared to manage any medical emergencies that might arise.

Furthermore, the advisory included a special appeal to media professionals, urging them to demonstrate responsibility in their reportage during such sensitive periods.

“The cooperation of the public in maintaining peace and discipline during these times is crucial. Public in general and media persons in particular are requested to be responsible in sharing information and follow the guidelines issued by the government in this regard,” the statement concluded.

No specific incident prompting the advisory was mentioned, but sources suggest the measures are precautionary following increased activity along the border. The government has assured that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update the public through official channels.