No PMO's order regarding movement restriction
PIB Fact Check clarified Thursday evening that the PMO India has not issued any order the regarding movement restriction in the country due to COVID-19 (Image Courtesy: @PIBFactCheck/Twitter)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 19
The Prime Minister's Office had not issued any press release regarding the movement restriction in India and a viral message regarding the same is not from India, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India clarified Thursday evening.
This clarification came after a press release with the heading, National Security Council, Prime Minister's Office with certain measures regarding movement restriction in India due to COVID-19 was shared widely shared on social media platform particularly on WhatsApp.
Debunking the fake news, PIB Fact Check, an official Twitter handle of PIB India “Countering misinformation on Govt. policies/schemes” posted:
“Claim: A Press Release regarding movement restriction is widely getting circulated on #WhatsApp claiming to be of Government of India.
#PIBFactCheck: No such Press Release has been issued by @PMOIndia.”
A discerning reader could easily concur that the press release pertains to Malaysia as the first page itself talk about the status of services such as BURSA, the stock exchange of Malaysia. The last line page also contains a measure on Malaysian working in neighbouring countries like Singapore. Thailand, Brunie and Indonesia.
It was also widely shared in different WhatsApp group in Nagaland.
Meanwhile, the Times of India in a report also debunked another rumour on Whatsapp that India is going to impose a lockdown from 8 PM on Thursday.
A message on Whatsapp read:
"Hello Everyone!
India would be heading for a nation wide lock-down from tonight 8PM onward.
Prime minister will give the speech today.
So, please be prepared!"
According to the ToI report, the message had created panic among people who have started hoarding and stocking up before the alleged move sets in.
“We have been told officially that it is incorrect,” the report said. The report added that the clarification to the ToI stated:
"Some media outlets are speculating that PM Modi will announce a lock down in his address.
This information is incorrect. It will also create unnecessary panic in the minds of people, which is the last thing we need in a time like this.
Please know that this is just one of the several rumours doing the rounds on social media."
