New Delhi, April 7 The Manipur government on Tuesday dismissed rumors circulating on social media that security forces had killed "innocent protesters" in the state, warning of strict action against those spreading such misinformation.
In a post on X, the Manipur government said: "There are various tweets and social media posts claiming that security personnel have killed numerous innocent people in #Manipur while peacefully protesting."
"Spreading false news and rumors can exacerbate the situation. Please verify any such information before posting," it added.
Urging people not to allow rumors to influence their actions, it said that in times of uncertainty, the best response is calmness, clarity, and verification.
"Before forwarding any message, pause and ask: Is this information verified? Is it helpful or harmful? Public order and harmony are built on responsible choices," it said.
The government stated that under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), spreading false information or inciting unrest is a punishable offense.
"Let us stand together for truth, civility, and a peaceful Manipur," it said.
Rumors on social media circulated that security forces had fired upon protesters, killing two people and injuring 20.
The Manipur Police said "no such incident took place" and added that legal action will be initiated against individuals spreading such falsehoods on social media.