B S Dara

In times of conflict, truth becomes not just a moral necessity but a national obligation. As India witnessed the developments around Military Operation Sindoor, our nation stood at the cusp of a moment that demanded unity, discretion, and deep resolve. Yet, what unfolded on our television screens, YouTube feeds, and social media timelines was not just irresponsible, it was dangerously incendiary. The Indian media, a section of YouTubers, and scores of anonymous social media handles displayed a recklessness that came perilously close to pushing us towards a tragic and avoidable war. It’s time we, as citizens of this country, ask ourselves a hard question:

What is the cost of unverified news, exaggerated narratives, and fake nationalism when national security is at stake?

There is a very thin line between patriotism and provocation. Operation Sindoor, undertaken under utmost secrecy and precision by our armed forces, was designed with strategic clarity. However, while our soldiers operated with discipline and discretion, much of the media and online space devolved into a cacophony of speculations, doctored footage, emotional grandstanding, and blatant misinformation.

We saw prime-time anchors shout over each other with speculative analysis that lacked any verification from defence officials. We saw self-proclaimed “military analysts” on YouTube, many with no verified credentials, weaving narratives that ranged from theatrics to provocative. This is the age of ‘Likes’ over Lives, social media has become a double-edged sword. In democratic societies, it empowers the people. But when misused, it becomes a breeding ground for hysteria, misdirection, and even national sabotage.

During Operation Sindoor, several Twitter (now X) handles circulated false images of weapons, mislabelled videos of past operations, and even went as far as leaking “exclusive” inside information, none of which were verified. These weren’t small-time trolls; many of these accounts had thousands, even millions, of followers. Their content was not harmless speculation but it actively endangered lives.

When military operations are underway, timing and secrecy are strategic weapons. Leaking unverified data, even if by accident, can compromise missions, cost lives, and escalate conflicts.

When social media turns into a theatre of war fantasies, it gives the enemy an edge. In this scenario, liberty without responsibility becomes a liability.

In our constitutional democracy, there is a bigger role of the fourth estate, the Indian press has often played a heroic role in the democratic journey of this country. But this time, many mainstream media houses failed the nation. The 24/7 news cycle has created a dangerous incentive: be first, not right.

Instead of waiting for official briefings from the Ministry of Defence, reporters rushed to declare victories, deaths, injuries, and strategies, often based on WhatsApp forwards or unverifiable “sources”.

Studio discussions took on tones more suited to action films than journalism. Several channels presented simulated graphics of war, raising public anxiety and creating pressure on policymakers to act on emotion rather than strategy.

This isn’t journalism. It’s jingoism masquerading as service to the nation.

And it’s deeply dangerous.

A war was fought on borders, and notfromour couch armchairs. There is a moral chasm between those who fight and those who tweet.

While our soldiers braved enemy fire, traversed hostile terrains, and risked their lives for each inch of national security, back home, a class of opportunists turned their bravery into content fodder. These were individuals comfortably ensconced in their air-conditioned homes, reaping engagement, profit, and political capital from a war they weren’t even remotely a part of.

Some influencers baked their own bread, figuratively, by hosting “emergency livestreams,” launching Patriotism merchandise, throwing affiliate links under videos about martyrdom. Many of these videos even contained mistranslated statements from army officers, twisted into bait for emotional outrage.

This is not nationalism. This is predatory opportunism in its worst form.

Operation Sindoor has revealed to us that the real threat is our own internal irresponsibility. It is tempting to blame the enemy across the border for all the threats we face. But increasingly, the more insidious threat is the internal decay of responsibility in public discourse.

Unverified news can cause panic. Fake claims of attacks can start riots. Overstated victories can provoke retaliations. Social media warriors may see this as digital drama, but for the government, military, and citizens in border states, the consequences are real, immediate, and irreversible.

In a world where perception often precedes reality, the narrative war is just as vital as the military operation. Losing control over that narrative to unqualified loudmouths is a strategic failure we cannot afford again.

Towards a national balancing act of ‘liberty vs responsibility,’ some may argue that we live in a free country and freedom of speech must prevail.

Yes, it must, but with a caveat. Freedom does not mean freedom to endanger. Just as you cannot shout “fire” in a crowded theatre, you cannot shout “war” on social media during a tense national security operation.

Liberty, when weaponized without accountability, can jeopardize the very fabric of the nation. One may argue that individuals, political parties, or media brands stand to gain catapulting spotlight, but at what cost?

The safety of 1.4 billion Indians is too high a price for someone’s 10-minute YouTube fame.

It is high time we as a nation draw this line.The path forward towards accountability and action.

Words have power, and so should consequences.

India urgently needs a comprehensive digital security law that defines and penalizes fake news, unauthorized disclosures, and deliberate misinformation during sensitive times. The Press Council must expand its jurisdiction to include digital-first platforms and pseudo-journalistic influencers.

Social media platforms too, must be held accountable. Algorithms that amplify outrage must be reined in during national crises. Verified handles must adhere to stricter rules when commenting on national security issues. Those found violating these protocols should face fines, takedowns, or prosecution.

Most importantly, a national campaign on digital literacy and media ethics must be initiated, not just for citizens, but for content creators, influencers, and even newsrooms. The age of viral misinformation is here. We can either drown in it or rise above with wisdom and integrity.

To be clear that we stand with our soldier, and not over them

A war is not a movie. It is not a hashtag. It is not a YouTube thumbnail. It is a brutal, unforgiving reality faced by real men and women who serve this country in silence, without applause, and often without even a grave with their name.

Let us not insult their sacrifice by turning war into an entertainment genre. Let us not cash in on national grief with promo codes. Let us not mistake loudness for loyalty.

True patriotism is quiet. It is dignified. It knows when to speak, and more importantly, when to stay silent. In the time of war, let us be the kind of citizens our soldiers can fight for with pride, not the kind they must also protect their country from.

Let us stand with our forces, with truth, and with responsibility