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 willful threat to public order,  an official spokesman said.

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, as per his status 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 initiated 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 disturbing public order. Such acts will invite stringent action as warranted under rules. Meanwhile, more than a dozen WhatsApp News Groups have been put under the scanner for sharing and spreading such false, fabricated and malafide statements generated by individuals for creating public disorder.

The public has been advised not to fall prey to such rumours, the spokesman said.

The official statement came minutes after Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary put out his response to the rumours of office shifting on social media. “Absolutely rubbish. I am staying at aaaa along with my family since 21 Feb in temporary accommodation provided by Estates till I shift to the official residence. This misadventure has put me and my family in a deep security risk…”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here