Avinash Azad
In the wake of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists and a local ponywallah, India responded decisively with “Operation Sindoor”, striking terror camps and launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian armed forces targeted nine strongholds, including those linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, sending a resolute message against cross-border terrorism.
But as the missiles silenced one threat, another emerged online. A coordinated disinformation campaign, largely orchestrated from Pakistan, erupted on social media—especially X—aimed at discrediting India’s military leadership and undermining public morale.
Among the most egregious falsehoods: Lieutenant General DS Rana was falsely accused of being “sacked” and sent to “Kala Pani”; Air Marshal SP Dharkar was said to have been “dismissed” for refusing to fight; and Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar was wrongly alleged to have been “shunted out” for security lapses. These fabrications, amplified by Pakistan-based media and proxy handles, sought to divert blame for the Pahalgam massacre and erode confidence in Indian institutions.
Amid this digital onslaught stood Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear), co-founder of Alt News, who exposed over 200 instances of Pakistani propaganda in a matter of hours. From identifying fake accounts impersonating Indian armed forces personnel to debunking doctored videos—including old Gaza footage passed off as recent—Zubair worked relentlessly to uphold factual integrity. His real-time efforts earned widespread praise, with many calling his work “heroic” and deserving of a “standing ovation.”
Zubair’s dedication to truth, however, often draws ire. While his work in this instance helped shield India’s image from malicious foreign propaganda, he remains a target of certain political factions who bristle when their narratives are questioned. This selective outrage reveals a deeper malaise: when political loyalty trumps national interest, truth becomes collateral damage.
The Pahalgam attack, a brutal act of religiously targeted violence, was soon followed by vile hashtags like #IndianFalseFlag and #PahalgamDramaExposed—mocking the victims and peddling conspiracy theories. Such propaganda is not just misleading; it is a direct affront to the dignity of the dead and the unity of a grieving nation.
The Indian government acted swiftly, blocking several Pakistan-origin accounts and banning 16 YouTube channels for provocative content. Yet it is individuals like Zubair, operating without institutional support, who form the first line of defence in the information war.
As India confronts the fallout of Pahalgam and rising tensions with Pakistan, we must recognize the crucial role independent fact-checkers play in preserving national security and public trust. Zubair’s stand is more than journalism—it is a defence of truth in an age of deception. Rather than vilifying those who challenge falsehoods, we must honour them as guardians of our collective conscience. The battle against terrorism is fought not just with weapons, but with ideas. And in that battle, truth remains our most powerful weapon.
