Hours before the by India and Pakistan, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Saturday issued directives to curb the spread of fake news and bolster security across the state, given the then prevailing situation.
In a high-level meeting with state government officials, CM underscored the need to maintain law and order, stating, “Nothing is above the state’s security. Protecting our people is the top priority.”
He ordered strict action against individuals spreading misinformation through media and social media platforms, which could exacerbate public panic and unrest.
“Continuous monitoring of social media is essential. Conduct fact-checks relentlessly and issue official clarifications at the source of fake news,” he instructed, demanding detailed reports on actions taken.
To ensure transparency, he mandated daily media briefings by deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and police commissioners across all districts.
Siddaramaiah also directed authorities to conduct mock drills in all districts and at key locations to equip them for any emergency. Enhanced security measures were ordered at nationally significant sites, with continuous patrolling enforced along Karnataka’s coastline.
The CM emphasised fortifying the state’s intelligence network and ensuring robust safety protocols at public service delivery points, such as hospitals and transport hubs. Siddaramaiah also instructed officials to maintain a vigil on illegal hoarding and black marketing.
Further, Siddaramaiah instructed officials to place fire service centres on 24-hour high alert and ordered the establishment of help centres and helplines in every district to assist citizens.
The chief minister asked police authorities to prepare a list of all individuals who are suspected of causing communal division in society.
He said, “Prepare a list of all individuals conspiring to exploit the situation, harm the unity of the nation or state, provoke communal sentiments, cause communal division, or endanger national security, and take legal action against them. All DCs and SPs must take appropriate measures.”
Siddaramaiah’s order comes after a medical student from Al-Ameen Medical College in Vijayapura was booked for allegedly sharing a pro-Pakistan post on social media.
In another incident, a Mangaluru-based dietitian was accused of allegedly posting anti-national content on social media. A case was filed against the individual, and she was sacked from her hospital job following the backlash.
