Internet to remain suspended in Kashmir due to fake videos

New Delhi: With fake videos emanating from Pakistan purporting to show human rights violations and violence in Kashmir in an effort to fan popular discontent in the region, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that internet services in the state are unlikely to be restored anytime soon.

In view of Pakistan’s “intensified and insidious efforts via social media to foment popular anger” against the Indian government and administration, the MHA has decided to keep suspended internet services for now, sources said.

Some of these fake video messages have gone viral. In the Northeast too, Pakistan has been trying to instigate Naga insurgents against the government.

Prasar Bharati, via its Twitter account, has begun showing how fake videos being circulated are attempting to spread a false narrative on Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the videos is of an apple tree being cut down in Himachal. But the video is being shared with an Urdu caption alleging that apple trees are being chopped down en mass in Jammu and Kashmir by the government following revocation of Article 370, in an effort to instill fear among the people. Apple orchards are a major source of revenue for the people of J&K.

“Fake News Busted! 2018 Video from Himachal Pradesh being claimed as recent Video from Kashmir! Here’s the truth!,” Prasar Bharati tweeted.

Published on: Aug 29, 2019 at 23:02 IST

IANS