The Kashmir Valley may be staring at another tumultuous summer if rumors mongers on social and mainstream media are not prevented from circulating fictitious and provocative fake news. In several of these instances, in fact, the “news” is even supplemented with quotes from officials.
Media scholars inside and outside the Valley say this is an alarming situation, and given the unchecked proliferation of fake news in a place as sensitive as Kashmir, even small rumours can potentially snowball into major controversies and even claim lives.
“Since the spread of internet and social media usage in Kashmir, many people have assumed the role of journalists. They post fake news on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook without caring about the repercussions of their action. Many others take social media posts at face value and distribute it as gospel,” said Mohammad Waseem, a Kashmiri media scholar.
