The Manipur government has officially refuted circulating social media claims that security personnel killed civilians during recent protests, labeling these reports as “misleading” and “baseless.” In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the government identified various tweets and posts alleging the killing of innocent individuals as unverified and urged the public to refrain from disseminating such misinformation. The government highlighted that spreading fake news and rumors can exacerbate tensions in an already sensitive situation, reminding citizens to verify information prior to sharing it. Additionally, authorities appealed for restraint and emphasized that inciting unrest through misinformation is a punishable offense under the law, citing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which holds that disturbing peace through falsehood can lead to strict legal consequences. This clarification arises amidst rumors that security forces had opened fire on protestors, leading to alleged civilian casualties. The government indicated that legal actions would be pursued against those responsible for spreading false information online. In reiterating its appeal, the government called on citizens to unite in the pursuit of truth and harmony.
Protest Row: Manipur Govt Dismisses ‘Killing’ Allegations Against Forces
