A recent report by Zee News has drawn sharp criticism for inaccurately portraying a Muslim truck driver offering prayers atop his vehicle as the cause of a traffic jam on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. However, a fact-check reveals that the viral claims are misleading.
#Kashmir:
Video 1) A truck driver offers namaz on top of his truck which was stuck into traffic jam while traveling from Ganderbal to Ramban town in J&K.Long queue of vehicles can be seen clearly ahead of the truck.
Video 2) Zee News correspondent says truck driver offered… pic.twitter.com/esveyzhFmh
— Saba Khan (@ItsKhan_Saba) March 4, 2025
The video circulating on social media shows a truck driver performing prayers on top of his vehicle in the Ramban area of Jammu and Kashmir.
Zee News reported that the driver had stopped his truck in the middle of the highway, causing a massive traffic jam and inconvenience to commuters.
What’s the Reality:
Multiple eyewitnesses, local residents, and reports from the ground confirmed that the highway was already blocked due to an existing traffic jam caused by routine congestion and road conditions in Ramban. Vehicles, including the truck in question, had been stationary for an extended period.
During this halt, the truck driver chose to offer his prayers on top of his stationary vehicle. There is no evidence to suggest the driver deliberately caused the jam or blocked traffic for prayers.
Reaction:
The Zee News report sparked outrage on social media, with users accusing the channel of spreading communal misinformation. Many criticized the coverage as irresponsible and accused the outlet of attempting to stoke tensions by presenting a routine religious practice in a negative light.
Activists and locals from Jammu Kashmir condemned the portrayal, urging media organizations to verify facts before airing such reports. Calls for an apology from Zee News also gained momentum online.
No Official Confirmation of Disruption:
Authorities have not reported any disruption to traffic specifically due to the driver’s prayers. No action has been taken against the driver, further indicating that the jam was unrelated to his religious observance.
Conclusion:
The claim that a Muslim truck driver’s prayers caused a traffic jam on the Srinagar-Jammu highway is misleading.
The traffic jam pre-existed due to common highway congestion, and the driver performed prayers while waiting for the road to clear.
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