Govt dismisses viral WhatsApp rumour about ATM closures amid India-Pakistan tensions
PTC Web Desk: In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a false message circulating on WhatsApp has claimed that ATMs across India would be shut for two to three days. The Indian government has officially dismissed this message as fake, confirming that ATM services will remain fully operational across the country.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), which is tasked with countering misinformation, urged the public to refrain from spreading such unverified messages, emphasising that sharing false information can lead to unnecessary panic, long queues at banks, and disruption in essential financial services.
"This message about ATM closures is completely baseless. Citizens are advised not to forward such misleading content and to verify information with official sources," the PIB stated.
The false claims appear to be part of a broader disinformation campaign being pushed by Pakistan-based online entities, in an attempt to influence narratives following recent military developments. According to the PIB, between 10 pm on May 8 and 6.30 am on May 9, at least eight misleading videos and posts were debunked.
These included:
A farm fire video wrongly claimed as a drone attack in Punjab's Jalandhar.
A fake report of an Indian Army post under the "20 Raj Battalion" being destroyed — a unit that doesn’t exist.
Misuse of an old 2020 Beirut explosion video falsely portrayed as Pakistani airstrikes.
A video wrongly suggesting a suicide bombing in Rajouri targeting an Indian Army brigade.
These false narratives are believed to be part of Pakistan’s digital propaganda efforts, triggered by recent setbacks in military operations. The Indian Armed Forces, in response to a terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam which killed 26 civilians, launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Facing exposure over its support for terrorism, Pakistan has intensified cross-border shelling and attempted airstrikes, which have been met with strong countermeasures by the Indian military, including successful interception of drones and missile threats.
- With inputs from agencies
