NEW DELHI: In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Thursday, May 8, 2025, debunked false claims from Pakistani sources alleging that it had struck a military base in Amritsar, resulting in numerous casualties. The PIB's fact-check revealed that the video used in the misleading post was actually footage of a wildfire from February 2024, not an attack on Indian soil.
The misleading claims emerged shortly after India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead on April 22, including one Nepali citizen. The PIB clarified that the video in question originated from a TikTok post dated February 3, 2024, showcasing fires in Achupallas, a neighborhood in Viña del Mar, Chile. This devastating wildfire claimed at least 133 lives and destroyed approximately 7,000 homes, marking it as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Chile since the 2010 earthquake and tsunami.
In light of the misinformation, the PIB urged citizens to refrain from sharing unverified information and to rely solely on official sources from the Government of India for accurate updates. The ministry's warning comes amidst a surge of disinformation propagated by accounts linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), which have been active since India's military operations.
On May 7, the PIB also refuted claims that Pakistan had shot down an Indian Rafale jet, labeling the images being circulated as old and unrelated to the ongoing conflict. "Beware of old images shared by pro-Pakistan handles in the present context!" the PIB cautioned. Furthermore, a viral video purportedly depicting an attack on Srinagar Airbase was clarified to show sectarian clashes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, in 2024.
Operation Sindoor, executed by the Indian Armed Forces, involved a coordinated strike against terror bases linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The Indian Air Force deployed advanced jets, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and Mirage 2000, to carry out precision strikes without crossing the Line of Control (LoC), according to government sources.
As tensions escalated, a Pakistani missile was reportedly shot down by India's missile defense system in the early hours of May 8, 2025, while heading towards Jethuwal village, located just 30 kilometers from the International Border. The missile was neutralized mid-air, breaking into three pieces, with debris landing in nearby fields, fortunately causing minimal damage.
In retaliation for Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has engaged in heavy artillery shelling along the LoC, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians in Poonch and injuring 59 others. This escalation has been characterized by the Indian government as a response to the military action taken against terror infrastructure.
Following the operation, major cities in India were placed on high alert, with Punjab's Amritsar airport shut down until further notice. Reports indicated that 21 airports in North and North-western India would remain closed until May 10 due to security concerns.
During an all-party meeting held on May 8, Indian leaders expressed solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military response. Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the opposition stands united with the government during this crisis, emphasizing the need for a collective response to the security situation.
Ex-Diplomat KP Fabian praised Operation Sindoor, describing it as a "well-calibrated" response that avoided escalation while effectively targeting terrorist sites. This sentiment was echoed by various political leaders who recognized the operation's precision and the importance of maintaining restraint amidst rising tensions.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian government has affirmed that it will not take further action unless provoked by Pakistan. The Ministry of Defence has reported that over 100 terrorists were killed during Operation Sindoor, with the count still ongoing. The government's statement highlighted that the operation was a measured response, aiming to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan remains fraught with misinformation and military posturing. As both nations navigate this tense landscape, the importance of verified information and responsible communication cannot be overstated.
