Kerala has been hit by one of the worst natural disasters in the last century. Latest figures say that around 370 people are dead and 7 lakh people have been displaced. And given the horror of the situation, help has arrived from everywhere. From donations to the CM’s disaster relief fund to IAS and naval officers going above and beyond to save people, India has united to save Kerala. However, there are some fringe elements who’re busy spreading misinformation and bigotry in these times of crisis.
According to the official Twitter handle of the Indian Army, a man claiming to be a army jawan is spreading false information that the Kerala CM isn’t letting the army help people in need.
Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy.Forward disinformation about #IndianArmy on WhatsApp +917290028579. We are at it #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/ncUR7tCkZW
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 19, 2018
News18 has reported that the man, dressed in an army uniform, has claimed that Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has some kind of animosity towards the Indian Army. Additionally, he has accused minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan of not letting the army enter Kerala.
The video was shared on the Facebook page of ‘Bharatiya Mahila Morcha Thalassery constituency’. And since this video was not only shared closed to 28,000 times and liked by 6600 people, but also forwarded on Whatsapp and Facebook, the Indian Army had to step to stop this fake news from spreading any further.
The fake jawan had asked the CM to let them do their work in Chengannur and told him to not worry because the army will not take over their state. These fake claims were busted by the CM’s office on Twitter.
Update on Chengannur; Attempts to rescue the stranded are on a war-footing basis. 4 helicopters, 5 military boats & 65 fishing boats are part of operations. Four 100-member strong army teams have been deployed. Food is being supplied using helicopters.#KeralaFloods
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 18, 2018
Twitterati took the Indian Army’s request to heart and spread the message so that no one’s affected by the fake jawan’s video.
1. Anupam Kher acted quickly.
Friends!! Please retweet this. Some imposter wearing an Indian Army combat uniform is upto some dirty trick. 👇 #KeralaFloods https://t.co/wcVRrbu27B
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) August 19, 2018
2. Fake news has become a menace.
https://twitter.com/siddharthyaroy/status/1031228764254957568
3. Amen to that.
He needs to be arrested for impersonating to be an Indian Army jawan https://t.co/GOBkmCVPEL
— Shivam Vij (@DilliDurAst) August 19, 2018
4. These people have no shame.
Shameful, using the uniform to mislead people who are already in midst of this horrendous tragedy. By the way, this imposter is not the only one. There are few more…wearing fake uniforms & badges…on social media. Best way to check identity is to ask for Rank & Regiment. https://t.co/QetimNFYMy
— Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) (@majorgauravarya) August 20, 2018
5. Everybody’s on it.
Time and time again Indian Armed forces @adgpi @IAF_MCC @indiannavy prove that they are the country's best institutions and that there is no place for Hatred like this in their. Spred this information as much as you can #KeralaFlood #RealHeroesOfIndia #KeralaFloodRelief https://t.co/IPZ2J7MRlc
— Tarun23 (@Tarun23_) August 19, 2018
6. The people propagating this should face a similar result.
This is serious. This Sanghi wearing an army uniform and impersonating as an army officer and was abusing the state @CMOKerala. Serious actions should be taken. https://t.co/8hQYads8UN
— Nandini (@thinkingrobot9) August 19, 2018
7. No stones should be left unturned to stop this bigotry.
Bloody Traitors.. started "photoshopping & faking" Indian Army too.
Sorry for use of language.. but these liars & pseudos hav started to "Fake Indian Army too"
We hav to make sure this person gets punished. Will explore legal options of filing case tomorrow. https://t.co/fComWjji2X
— Rahul Easwar (@RahulEaswar) August 19, 2018
8. How do people even think about politics during these times?
Sad that some political parties tried to take advantage of the Army's efforts and also tried to tarnish the wonderful work being done by @CMOKerala. Hope those responsible will be arrested soon. #KeralaFloods https://t.co/1UkVIuGfNr
— Vishnu Prasad (@imvishnuprasad) August 19, 2018
As mentioned before, Kerala is facing a monster of a disaster and people out there need all the help we can give. There’s no scope for politics, religion or any other dividing factor to exist between us and Kerala. For humanity to survive, fake news and impostors should be called out and those spreading it should be aptly punished for the damage they’re causing.