Amid concerns over the unrest in Manipur, Nagaland Police are urging citizens to maintain peace, communal harmony, and vigilance against the spread of misinformation.
Key Points
- Nagaland Police urge citizens to maintain peace and communal harmony amid unrest in Manipur.
- The police caution against spreading unverified information and provocative social media content.
- Citizens are advised to avoid reacting emotionally to developments outside Nagaland and to be wary of online rumours.
- Legal action will be taken against individuals spreading fake news and inflammatory content.
- The public is urged to report any suspicious activities that could disturb social harmony.
Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma appealed to the people to act responsibly and refrain from sharing or forwarding any unverified information, rumours or provocative social media content that could create panic, misunderstanding or communal tension.
Combating Misinformation in the Digital Age
In an appeal issued on Friday, the police cautioned against the spread of false and misleading narratives through social media, stating that in the age of artificially generated content, the creation and circulation of fake information has become easier and more dangerous.
The advisory came amid search operations being conducted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district to rescue those who are still being held hostage by armed groups.
Details of Hostage Release and Violence in Manipur
Thirty-one of around 38 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities, who were held in captivity by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts in Manipur, were released on May 14 and 15. These people were taken to undisclosed locations after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on May 13, while a civilian was gunned down and his wife was wounded in Noney district in the neighbouring state.
Citizens have also been urged not to react emotionally to developments outside Nagaland and to avoid being influenced by rumours or provocative narratives circulating online.
Assurances and Public Cooperation
The Nagaland Police assured that the situation is being closely monitored and that all necessary measures are in place to maintain law and order in the state.
It emphasised that public cooperation remains essential in ensuring continued peace and stability.
Caution on Sharing Online Content
Citizens have been advised to exercise utmost caution while consuming or sharing online content, especially material capable of disturbing ethnic and inter-community relations in the state, the Nagaland Police statement said.
Legal Consequences for Spreading False Information
The police also warned that individuals deliberately spreading fake news, rumours or inflammatory content through social media or other platforms would face legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Information Technology Act and other applicable laws.
The advisory also called upon the public to remain alert and immediately report on any suspicious individuals or activities attempting to disturb the prevailing social harmony and peaceful coexistence among communities in Nagaland.
Reiterating that Nagaland has maintained peace and normalcy despite tensions in neighbouring provinces, the police appealed for cooperation from all sections of society to preserve harmony in the state.
