Rumours about cosmic rays give Kashmiris a sleepless night

14 December, 2012

Residents of Kashmir valley had to face a sleepless Wednesday night after they heard that cosmic rays from Mars had entered the earth and could have a serious impact on mobile users. Such kind of news was attributed to international agencies but it was later found out that it was only a rumour.

WHEN SUCH news began to spread across the Kashmir valley, the residents pressed the panic button and why not, as such news spreads like wildfire. People were even asked to switch off their mobile phones as well. Gradually, things slowly began to become viral on social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter.

The divisional administration in the valley acted very quickly and issued a statement saying that it was just a rumour attributed to the BBC and the NASA. People started believing the rumours primarily because it coincided wit the prediction of Mayan Calendar that world would come to an end of December 12.

While there are a number of benefits of social media but on the flip side it is used to foment trouble and spread rumours by miscreants. In the recent exodus of northeasterners from Bangalore and other parts of India, the Facebook and Twitter were also misused by trouble-makers. But it is always advisable to check the veracity of claims being made on social media especially Facebook and Twitter.

Make 123 India's only emergency telephone number

Gurgaon Police is now on Facebook

COMMENTS (1)

Guest

Kashmir Tour packages

Kashmir is a land of myriad seasons and it changes the hues of landscape with the seasons. Burgeoning with magnificent scenery, unique experience in Houseboat staying, Shikara riding, Mughal Gardens, floating vegetable Gardens and host of adventure activities