Imphal, April 8: The Government of Manipur on April 7 dismissed social media reports alleging that security personnel had killed civilians during recent protests, terming the claims “misleading” and “baseless.”
In an official statement, the government said several posts and tweets circulating online about alleged civilian deaths were unverified and urged the public not to be misled by such information. Authorities stressed the importance of responsible communication, particularly in a sensitive situation where rumours could aggravate tensions.
“Before forwarding any message, please ensure that the information is verified. It is important to understand whether such content is helpful or harmful,” the statement said, adding that maintaining public order and harmony depends on restraint in sharing information.
The government also warned that spreading false information that could incite unrest is a punishable offence under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It cautioned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals found responsible for disseminating misinformation.
The clarification came amid rumours suggesting that security forces had opened fire on protesters, leading to civilian casualties. However, Manipur Police rejected these claims, stating that no such incident had occurred and confirming that legal proceedings would be initiated against those spreading falsehoods online.
Reiterating its appeal, the government urged citizens to rely on verified information and contribute to maintaining peace and unity during the ongoing situation.
