The J&K administration seem to be losing the war of perception by allowing fake news being circulated by the fly by night social media operators. The fake news being circulated on the single issue of constitution of an imaginary Advisory Council is mind boggling and mischievous. The motive of those spreading such news is apparently to create anarchy and chaos in the midst of a situation where the administration is busy in a delicate situation of COVID-19 pandemic. The situation can be tackled easily as there are protocols and government advisories on countering fake news. The first and the most important is to present facts to media for dissemination and it has to be done strongly. Fake news can be easily curbed with real information. For this the information department needs to be proactive and must have such a mandate. Another possible reason for such fake news is the growing restless of the marginal political players in the current situation. They are desperate for a role. Political process may have to wait for sometime in view of many ongoing follow-ups to the changed status of the erstwhile J&K’s state.
The State Information Department needs a drastic change in the era of social media and transparency. Dishing out staid handouts about government s move is not enough. In fact, it may not even be required since the government decision are also circulated through Twitter handles of specific departments. In today’s world, the Government departments need to fight battles of perceptions and target the internet savvy generation and the influencers. Barring JK police, Army, CRPF and a couple of individual officers, JK administration has very small footprints on the social media. This should change immediately. In fact, the information department should become the most visible wing of the government on the social media. This is an era of change in JK and therefore a change in pattern of working and mindset of officers will be welcome. Given the fragility of the situation and enemies agents yearning to stage a public unrest and discredit the authorities JK should always pro active in not only countering fake news but also in dissemination of all news in public interest.