BHARAT: In a striking case of digital misinformation, a viral social media post alleged that the Indian military used Ambala Airbase to carry out an airstrike on Amritsar, targeting its own citizens. The claim, designed to provoke fear and distrust, was swiftly countered by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check team, which labeled the post as completely baseless and fabricated.
The PIB clarified that no such military operation ever occurred and denounced the viral content as part of a concerted campaign of fake news aimed at maligning the Indian Armed Forces and destabilizing national unity.
“This is a clear attempt to spread disinformation and provoke unrest. The Indian military upholds the highest standards of discipline and duty to the nation” stated the official PIB Fact Check handle.
To combat this malicious narrative, the PIB released a detailed press statement from the Ministry of Defence, setting the record straight. The ministry emphasized that Ambala Airbase, a critical asset of the Indian Air Force, has never been used for any such internal strike and that there is no record or reality behind the claims made.
The post, now flagged and widely condemned, is an example of how social media can be weaponized to spread confusion and undermine national institutions. Security analysts warn that such disinformation often originates from elements hostile to India’s sovereignty and unity.
The PIB has urged citizens to remain vigilant against false content and to verify any sensitive claims through credible, official sources. It has also encouraged users to report suspicious posts and avoid sharing unverified information.
The government remains committed to ensuring that India's security forces are not vilified through fake narratives and that truth prevails in the face of orchestrated propaganda.(PR)