Fake videos & news spread unabated, people scared

It was a night of fear when sounds of explosions were heard from various parts in Jalandhar. Residents spent sleepless night on Thursday. People from other parts of the country were making frantic calls to their relatives to ask if they were safe. But what worsen the situation was the circulation of fake videos and pictures that made people more scare.

The residents were forwarding the messages in various groups and this led to the spread of misinformation. The district administration seemed clearing the doubts by sending various messages to not believe on whatever was being shared on social media. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal also made a special video today, saying that one of the major challenges the administration was facing was to put a control on the spread of fake news.

One of the messages from the administration on Thursday night read, “Regarding CT college video: This is an unrelated video. Jalandhar has seen some drones tonight and are being neutralised by the Army. This video is at 7.39 pm as can be seen in the display while first drone was sighted near 9 pm. This has been confirmed as a farm fire. Plz dont spread the video."

Another message that was shared by the administration read, “We all should support our armed forces and help in adhering to the protocol of blackout as well as prevention of fake news/videos/messages that can spread panic among the common man. Civilian population is not being targeted as per official information. So please don’t worry and be calm,".

In a video shared by the DC, he said action will be taken against those spreading fake news.

Jalandhar