Action Initiated Against Daily Newspaper, Individual, More Than Dozen Whatsapp Groups Under Scanner

Srinagar: District Administration, Srinagar has initiated action against a Srinagar based daily newspaper and a freelance journalist for spreading false rumours about shifting of Govt offices aimed at creating a wilful threat to public order.

The action was initiated after “Srinagar Times” newspaper published a false, fabricated and malicious news item “DC Office Srinagar being shifted to Sarovar-Portico, a hotel in Srinagar, and all Tehsil offices in Srinagar are slowly being taken over by Army”. The irresponsible false news item created a sense of fear in the public prompting the district administration to initiate action against the Newspaper.

Meanwhile, a similar claim was made by one Journalist identified as Irfan Mehraj, former correspondent Kashmir Reader, as per his state profile on Facebook account. Mr Irfan in an irresponsible, false, fabricated and malafide post stated that “DC Office shifted to a hotel and Tehsil offices being taken over by Army”. In light of such a deliberate attempt of an individual to create public disorder, authorities in the district administration have initiate criminal proceedings against Mr Irfan.

The Administration has strongly cautioned citizens against spreading any such rumours and fake , fabricated and malafide statements which have the potential of disturning public order. Such acts will invite stringent action as warranted under rules. Meanwhile more than a dozen WhatsApp News Groups have been put under scanner for sharing and spreading such false, fabricated and malafide statements generated by individuals for creating public disorder.

Public has been advised not to fall prey to such rumours.