Fake News Costing Lives in Manipur

Assam Rifles gives clarification on alleged fake news being circulated about their role in Manipur

85 days have passed since first incident of ethnic violence was reported in Manipur on 04 May 23, but the solution to the end of the conflict is still questionable. While few agencies believe that the certain set of people are fuelling the issue, the others believe that the fake or misleading news is the root cause of the ongoing unrest in the state. Amidst these speculations, the truth which is evident is that the ongoing unrest is costing lives in Manipur and has caused shame to Humanity. Till date more than 160 people have lost their lives, many were injured and thousands have been displaced from their homes.

The horrifying incident dated May 4, where two women were paraded naked and assaulted in Kangpokpi district was triggered post circulation of a fake old news that happened in national capital and was claimed to have been occurred in Imphal Valley by tribals. The immodest incident has not only caused a domino effect by causing more such incidents of women molestation & harassment but has also sparked a massive outrage in the country.   

Imposition of ban on Internet services by Manipur government and operationalisation of a dedicated Rumour free Number (9233522822) by the State Police seemed helpless in managing the spread of these fake news and propagandas. Fake news related to torching of religious place Kongba Maru Laiphamlen, manipulated subtitles in a video of Kuki-Chin Area, highlighting a video from Myanmar on assault and brutal killing of a woman with claims to be carried out in India by the majority community, fake propagandas highlighting partiality in conduct of operations by Security Forces are few examples wherein the facts were distorted and manipulated to cause rift between the communities and escalate the issue.

Presently, the situation remains challenging and it will take time before the waves of peace and normalcy flows in the valley. Till that moment it is dependent on ‘the responsible citizens of the state’, that we understand the cost of ‘precious lives’ and prevent spreading of fake propaganda and news so that the hope of another home is not lost due to vested interest of few people.

Article source: Assam Rifles.