Official clarification
PIB Fact Check issued the following statement on social media:
“A message is circulating on #WhatsApp in the name of @DefenceMinIndia giving instructions for civil preparedness in view of the India-Pakistan situation.
❌ This message is #fake
✅ The Government of India has issued NO such instructions.”
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What the message claimed
The viral message warned of possible military conflict between May 15 and June 10, advising citizens to:
- Keep a first aid kit ready
- Ensure vehicles have enough fuel for 100–150 km
- Apply transparent tape to windows
- Store gas cylinders safely
- Keep identification documents accessible
- Stock three days’ worth of drinking water
- Keep two buckets of water for emergencies, such as firefighting
The message mimicked official government communication, referencing the Defence Ministry and including a WhatsApp channel link, adding to its apparent legitimacy.
Government response
The government confirmed that no such message was issued, and no public advisory on civil preparedness related to the India-Pakistan situation has been released.
What you should do
- Do not forward or share the message.
- Verify information through trusted sources like @PIBFactCheck or official government websites.
- Report fake messages on WhatsApp or other platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Context
On Saturday night, Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian armed forces are responding appropriately.
