DC prohibit unverified news, misinformation on Social Media
Yash Khajuria
Leh, Jul 23: A sudden explosion on July 16 shook the quiet village of Kyagar in the Nubra region of Ladakh, damaging over two dozen homes and leaving residents alarmed. Though no casualties were reported, the source of the blast remains unknown, prompting strong calls from local representatives for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Councillor Rigzen Lundup, popularly known as Councillor Tiger – who visited the village shortly after the incident held a press conference today, raising questions over the silence maintained by both the civil administration and the team of experts from the 102 Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army. He expressed concern over the damage and the lingering uncertainty surrounding the incident.
Speaking to The Earth News, Councillor Lundup described the event as deeply disturbing. “On July 16, around 11 to 11:30 AM, residents of Kyagar and nearby areas felt a powerful blast. The tremor damaged approximately 26 houses—shattering windows, cracking walls, and even bringing down ceilings in some homes,” he said. “The community is in shock, and the fear remains palpable.”
He stated that the incident was immediately reported to the SDM Nubra office. SDM Mukul Beniwal (IAS) was requested to launch an urgent inquiry and ensure compensation for affected families. Following this, officials from the civil administration and technical teams from the 102 Infantry Brigade visited the village. A 100-meter radius was marked as the impacted zone, and damage was assessed. However, when pressed for details, the experts stated the findings would be forwarded to the Leh-based 14 Corps, and a formal statement would follow after the final review.
“No official clarification has been shared to date,” said Councillor Lundup. “This lack of communication from those in authority is deeply regrettable. The villagers deserve answers.”
With no updates forthcoming, Councillor Lundup and his colleagues addressed the media to highlight their concerns. “Was it a geological event? If so, why was the impact limited to just one area? Or was it linked to a military exercise? People have the right to know. Without clear answers, they remain in fear, unsure of how to protect themselves in the future.”
He called for an immediate, detailed investigation into the cause of the explosion and demanded that the findings be made public. He also urged the administration to expedite full compensation to affected households.
“Such an incident occurring in a remote, peaceful village raises serious questions. We need transparency and swift administrative response to rebuild trust and restore normalcy,” he said.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Leh declined to comment, stating that the SDM Nubra was overseeing the inquiry and it would be inappropriate to speak without official findings. SDM Mukul Beniwal, when reached by phone late on July 23, stated that the Tehsildar was handling the inquiry and he had no details to share at that time.
In the aftermath of the press conference, the District Commissioner’s office issued an order restricting the circulation of unverified information and rumours on social media. District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk (IAS) invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to enforce the directive effective July 23, 2025.
The order cites concerns over the spread of misinformation via platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram, warning that such activity could disrupt public order. Group administrators have been instructed to moderate content, delete misleading posts, and switch to “Admin Only” mode to prevent misuse.
According to the order, “No individual is allowed to circulate, share, or forward any form of fake news, rumours, or unverified content on social media within the Leh district.
Social media group administrators are instructed to actively monitor content in their groups, delete any misleading or fake information immediately, and switch their WhatsApp groups to Admin Only mode to prevent the spread of such content.”
The order further warns that any person involved in the creation, sharing, or forwarding of fake content shall face strict legal action under applicable laws.
“This order is issued ex-parte in the interest of public safety and to maintain public order,” stated the District Magistrate. The directive will remain in force for two months from the date of issuance or until further orders are issued, whichever is earlier.
