A few days ago, the news was circulated on social media platforms claiming that the ongoing Amarnath Yatra 2023 had been suspended on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the Article 370 abrogation in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. This news sent shockwaves across various online platforms, sparking discussions and concerns among individuals eagerly awaiting the annual pilgrimage. However, upon closer investigation, it becomes evident that this claim is far from the truth. Article 370 was scrapped on 5th August 2019.
Misleading Origins:
The initial source of this misinformation can be traced back to a report published by the popular news site NDTV. The report erroneously suggested that the Amarnath Yatra had been suspended due to the commemoration of the 4th anniversary of the Article 370 abrogation on 5th August 2023.
This misinformation spread by the NDTV quickly caught the attention of various local Kashmiri online news portals such as @tkwmag and @thekashmirwalla which further amplified the claim, inadvertently contributing to its virality. As news portals in the region started sharing misleading information, it didn’t take long for pro-Pakistani Twitter handles particularly of @waniafaan1 to join the fray. These accounts, often known for their bias and anti-India sentiment, actively promoted and circulated the false claim to a wider audience. The claim’s spread on social media platforms was alarming, with many individuals expressing concern and outrage over what they believed to be a significant disruption to the pilgrimage.
Swift Clarification by Jammu & Kashmir Information and PR Team:
Recognizing the potential for panic and misinformation, the Information and Public Relations (PR) Department of Jammu and Kashmir took immediate action. The official Twitter account of the department released a statement refuting the circulating claim. They clarified that the news of the suspension of Amarnath Yatra 2023 was entirely false and assured the public that the pilgrimage would proceed as per the established norms.
Intent to Promote Fake News :
The motivations behind spreading such fabricated news are multifaceted. Firstly, those responsible for the misinformation may have sought to create panic and uncertainty among the pilgrims who were preparing for the Amarnath Yatra. Secondly, by portraying India negatively and attempting to undermine the current Prime Minister Modi’s BJP government, these actors aimed to discredit the decision to revoke Article 370 from the region.
Conclusion:
After conducting an extensive and thorough analysis, our team engaged in fact-checking the claim. You can find the results of this investigation in the Twitter thread embedded below for your reference. For a better understanding of the situation, we have given the link to the NDTV’s news article.
CLAIM: News circulating claims that #AmarnathYatra2023 was suspended on the 4th anniversary of Article 370 abrogation.
FACT: False and misleading. The Information & PR Department of Jammu and Kashmir clarified that the news is fake.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. Jai Hind.
