PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
As false narratives surrounding the India-Pakistan situation continue to circulate on social media, panic has begun to grip several residents of Dehradun. Many locals have started hoarding essentials such as rations, medicines and cash, fearing a possible escalation.
However, Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal has assured the public that there is no reason to panic or resort to hoarding. Speaking to The Pioneer, Bansal claimed that the administration is fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise but added that this readiness should not be misunderstood as a cause for concern. “Neither the Central nor the State government has issued any advisory asking people to stock up on essentials in anticipation of any adverse situation,” he said.
When asked whether any official case related to panic buying or misinformation had come to his attention, Bansal responded, “I am aware that false information is being spread on certain social media platforms about the current situation. This is completely baseless. The police and other authorities concerned are already investigating such instances.”
Bansal also stated that a district-level team will be formed to monitor the spread of misinformation and take strict action against those responsible. “I urge people not to panic and not to fall for fear-mongering. The situation is completely under control. We will take strict action against anyone who deliberately spreads misinformation in these sensitive times,” he said.
