The rapid expansion of social media has transformed the way information is shared, consumed, and discussed. While digital platforms have become powerful tools for communication and public engagement, their misuse has also emerged as a serious threat to social cohesion and public order. Against this backdrop, the observations made by IPS Dr. S. Ibomcha during the workshop on “Media for Communal Harmony and Responsible Journalism” are both timely and significant.
Addressing participants at the workshop jointly organised by the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur on Monday, Dr. Ibomcha highlighted the dangers posed by misinformation, rumours, and hate speech in the digital era. His remarks come at a time when society is increasingly vulnerable to the rapid spread of unverified and inflammatory content through platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and X.
The events witnessed in Manipur since May 2023 have demonstrated how misinformation and communal propaganda can aggravate tensions, deepen divisions, and complicate efforts to restore peace. The figures presented by Dr. Ibomcha are alarming. More than 5,400 posts containing violent, communal, or sensitive content were identified, while over 3,200 such posts were removed and 187 accounts or pages were blocked for violating regulations. These numbers reveal the scale of the challenge confronting authorities and society alike.
However, the responsibility of combating misinformation cannot rest solely with government agencies and law enforcement. Citizens themselves must become active participants in safeguarding the information ecosystem. In an age where a single click can amplify falsehoods to thousands of people, responsible digital behaviour has become a civic duty. Verifying information before sharing it, checking the credibility of sources, identifying manipulated images and deepfakes, and resisting the temptation to forward sensational but unverified messages are essential practices for every social media user.
The launch of the “DIPR Manipur Fact Check” platform is a welcome initiative in this regard. By providing citizens with a reliable mechanism to verify government notifications, orders, and circulars, the platform can help curb the spread of misleading information and strengthen public trust in official communication.
The media also has a critical role to play. Responsible journalism demands accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity, particularly in conflict-prone situations. Journalists and media organisations must remain vigilant against the temptation of sensationalism and instead prioritise verified facts and balanced reporting. The media can either become a bridge that promotes understanding or a catalyst that fuels mistrust and division.
Communal harmony is not maintained through laws and regulations alone. It requires collective responsibility, ethical communication, and a commitment to truth. As Dr. Ibomcha rightly emphasized, digital literacy and responsible social media use are no longer optional; they are essential tools for preserving peace and strengthening the social fabric of Manipur. In an increasingly connected world, every user must recognize that what they share online can either contribute to harmony or sow the seeds of discord.