Modi govt rejects fake claims of Army commander's removal

New Delhi

The government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) dismissed claims circulating on social media that Indian Army's Northern Commander Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar had been removed from his post following the Pahalgam attack. The PIB clarified that the general is retiring on April 30, not being dismissed.

These false claims were spread by pro-Pakistan social media accounts after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Lt Gen Kumar had taken charge of the Northern Command in February 2024.

The PIB Fact Check also revealed that the claims regarding Lt Gen Kumar's removal were fabricated and shared images of the misleading posts. It further stated that Lt Gen Kumar’s retirement will be followed by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma assuming the Northern Army Commander role. Kumar previously served as Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Additionally, PIB Fact Check debunked false claims from the same accounts about leaked confidential Indian Army documents, warning people to rely only on verified government sources for accurate information.

The Ministry of Defence also issued a warning about a fraudulent message circulating on WhatsApp, claiming donations for the Army's modernization. Both PIB and the Ministry urged the public to avoid these misleading messages and stay cautious against such frauds.