Union Minister Hardeep Puri Says Lockdown Rumours Are False, Irresponsible
Hardeep Puri warns lockdown rumours are false, urges calm.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday dismissed circulating rumours about a potential nationwide lockdown, calling them “false and irresponsible.” The minister warned that spreading such unverified information could create unnecessary panic among the public, urging citizens and media outlets to rely on official announcements for accurate updates.
Speaking to reporters, Puri emphasised that there was no government plan to impose new restrictions and that speculation on social media or messaging platforms was misleading. He described the circulation of lockdown rumours as a serious concern, particularly as India continues to navigate public health and economic challenges.
The minister also highlighted the role of citizens in combating misinformation. “Creating panic serves no purpose and undermines the government’s efforts to maintain public order and confidence,” he said, adding that authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide timely information through official channels.
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This comes amid a backdrop of heightened vigilance in parts of the country where infection clusters have been reported. Authorities have maintained that localized measures, such as targeted containment zones and testing campaigns, are sufficient to manage outbreaks without imposing blanket restrictions.
Experts have warned that misinformation during health crises can have tangible consequences, including hoarding of essential supplies, disruption of public services, and increased anxiety among vulnerable populations. The government has repeatedly urged social media platforms and news outlets to ensure that information shared with the public is verified.
Puri’s statement underscores the administration’s intent to maintain calm while continuing monitoring and preventive measures. Citizens are encouraged to follow guidelines issued by health authorities and ignore unverified reports that could create confusion or fear.
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