NEW DELHI, Oct 26: The Indian Army has debunked a digitally manipulated video circulating on social media that falsely attributes remarks to senior Army officer Lt Gen Girish Kalia, claiming that China has taken control of three areas in Arunachal Pradesh and that Indian troops have been denied essential supplies.
In a fact-check post, the Army said the video contained fabricated remarks presented as a leaked admission by a senior military officer. It clarified that the footage had been digitally altered using synthetic-generated information to falsely attribute statements to Kalia.
The viral video claims that China has taken control of Asaphila, Longju and Taksing Circle in Arunachal Pradesh. It also alleges that Indian troops have been denied essential supplies.
Rejecting the claims, the Army said the original footage was from a press briefing delivered by Maj Gen Girish Kalia, then General Officer Commanding of the 28 Infantry Division, in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, on October 27, 2023.
The briefing concerned infiltration attempts across the Line of Control and had no connection with the claims about Arunachal Pradesh, the Army clarified. During the briefing, Kalia had reported that security forces had foiled 10 infiltration attempts, eliminated 27 terrorists and recovered warlike stores and narcotics.
The Army emphasised that the officer had made no statements about Chinese control over the three areas or the alleged denial of essential supplies to Indian troops.
The clarification highlights how digitally manipulated footage from genuine military briefings can be used to spread misinformation by attributing fabricated statements to military officers. The Army urged the public to distinguish authentic military communications from manipulated content circulating on social media.
