Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, social media influencer Elvish Yadav has voiced his concerns, urging citizens to prioritize the safety of their families and relatives, especially those residing near the border areas. The tensions follow a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 27 people and left more than 20 injured.
In response to the attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This operation involved missile strikes on locations identified as hubs for Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan reported civilian casualties from these strikes and retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Indian cities. India claims to have intercepted these attacks and conducted further operations to neutralize Pakistani air defense systems.
Yadav, like many other Indian celebrities, has taken to social media to express his support for the Indian armed forces and to encourage citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation. He posted a video on his Instagram handle, advising people to stay in touch with their loved ones in the affected states and, if possible, bring them to safety. "Jaise aap logo ko pata hoga humare desh mein kya chal raha hai, war start ho chuka hai," Yadav stated in his video. "Aap news dekh rahe honge ke Jammu mein attack hua, Rajasthan mein attack hua, Pathankot mein attack hua aur bhi jitni cities hain jahan attack hua. Meri request hai sabhi logo se, jin-jin ke log un states mein hain, toh please unse touch mein raho aur ho sake toh unko apne paas bula lo".
The situation remains tense, with reports of heavy cross-border shelling and multiple explosions in Jammu. Villages near the Line of Control (LoC) have been emptying as residents flee or seek shelter in bunkers. India has claimed that its army struck and damaged air defence radars and systems at multiple locations in Pakistan. Pakistan, on the other hand, claims to have shot down multiple Indian drones.
The ongoing hostilities have led to civilian casualties on both sides and have prompted international calls for restraint and a diplomatic resolution. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed concern over the escalating tensions and offered to facilitate dialogue between the two countries. The United States has also urged de-escalation.
Amidst the escalating conflict, social media platforms are being used to spread misinformation, further exacerbating the situation. The Indian government has ordered X (formerly Twitter) to block thousands of accounts in India as part of a crackdown on Pakistan-related social media content.
Yadav's message highlights the importance of unity and support for the armed forces during these challenging times. His concern reflects the sentiments of many Indians who are deeply affected by the escalating tensions and fear the potential for further conflict.
