A video posted by BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav, where he complained of “poor quality” food served to jawans at forward locations, went viral as Pakistan-based websites circulated it on the Internet, an enquiry by the intelligence agencies has found. Mr. Yadav was dismissed from service last month, but security agencies conducted a probe where it was found that 21 of the 24 websites, which widely pushed the video on the Internet were based in Pakistan.
National outrage
Mr. Yadav, had in January this year, posted a video on Facebook, claiming poor quality food like watery ‘dal’ and burnt ‘chapatis’ were being served to the troops serving in inhospitable terrain along the Pakistan border. The video triggered a nationwide outrage. “Of the 24 websites that helped make the video go viral, 21 were being run from Pakistan. When Mr. Yadav posted the video, he did not know that it will be exploited by Pakistani agencies,” said a senior government official.
On Thursday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh cautioned the security forces and asked them to not forward unsubstantiated videos on mobile and web-based platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, as there were constant attempts by the “enemy” to spread rumours through social media.
Rajnath’s caution
“The personnel and officers often forward messages or videos on their Facebook page or WhatsApp casually. Until, it’s an authentic video and in the interest of the country, I appeal to jawans and officials to not forward them blindly. You are responsible not only for border security but also to preserve the integrity of the country,” Mr. Singh said addressing BSF officials at an investiture ceremony.
Mr. Singh said infiltration by militants from Pakistan had come down to a large extent after India conducted surgical strikes on the terror hubs in Pakistan in September 2016. “BSF’s role after surgical strike was commendable, some were martyred though. Incidents of infiltration have come down,” he said.
