Kohima, May 23: The Nagaland Police has appealed to citizens to maintain peace, communal harmony and vigilance amid concerns that the prevailing law-and-order situation in neighbouring Manipur could have spillover effects in the state.
In an advisory issued on May 22, Rupin Sharma urged citizens to act responsibly and avoid sharing or forwarding unverified information, rumours or provocative material on social media that could create panic, misunderstanding or communal tension.
The police advisory warned against the growing spread of false and misleading narratives online, noting that advances in artificially generated content have made the circulation of fabricated information easier and potentially more harmful.
The appeal came amid ongoing developments in Manipur, including search operations in Kangpokpi district linked to individuals allegedly held captive by armed groups.
According to reports, 31 out of around 38 persons belonging to Kuki and Naga communities who had allegedly been held in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts were released on May 14 and 15.
The situation followed violence reported in Manipur on May 13, during which suspected militants allegedly shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi district. In a separate incident in Noney district, one civilian was killed while his wife sustained injuries in a firing incident.
Nagaland Police further urged citizens not to react emotionally to developments outside the state or be influenced by unverified narratives circulating online.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and assured the public that all necessary measures are in place to maintain law and order.
The police also warned that anyone found deliberately spreading fake news, rumours or inflammatory content could face legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Citizens were advised to report any suspicious individuals or activities that could disturb communal harmony and peaceful coexistence within the state.
Reiterating that Nagaland has largely remained peaceful despite tensions in neighbouring regions, the police appealed for cooperation from all sections of society to preserve stability and social harmony.
