IT News
Imphal, Aug 20:
The Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) of Manipur has released a statement concerning an alleged doctored audio clip that recently went viral on social media. The clip, which was picked up by the news portal ‘The Wire’, purportedly contains a manipulated recording attributed to the Chief Minister. The state government has expressed concern that the audio could incite communal violence and undermine ongoing peace initiatives. In light of the potential threat posed by this misinformation, the State Government issued a press release on August 7, 2024, warning of the dangers associated with the circulation of such content, according to the DIPR.
The DIPR stressed that the dissemination of the doctored audio clip poses a significant threat to communal harmony in Manipur, as it could derail peace efforts being undertaken at multiple levels by both the State and Central Governments. These efforts, the statement noted, have been meticulously coordinated to address the ongoing tensions in the region, and any attempt to spread misinformation could have severe consequences.
Following the circulation of the viral clip, an FIR (No. 34(8) 2024 CCPS) was lodged on August 7, 2024, at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation is currently in progress. Authorities have assured the public that they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness and are committed to identifying those responsible for the creation and dissemination of the doctored audio.
In addition to addressing the viral clip, the DIPR responded to reports circulated by *The Wire* concerning incidents of violence in the fringe areas of Manipur, including Kangvai, Bishnupur, Imphal East, Moreh, and Jiribam. These reports detailed instances of rockets and bombs being shelled by miscreants in these regions. According to the DIPR, the State Police and other security agencies have been actively working to apprehend those responsible for these attacks. Several FIRs have been registered, and investigations are ongoing, with agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) involved. The DIPR stated that security forces have managed to control such incidents to a significant extent, contributing to a gradual improvement in the law-and-order situation in the state.
The State Government has classified the spread of doctored audio clips and other forms of disinformation as anti-national activities, warning that they have the potential to incite hatred and mistrust among communities. The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Manipur, emphasizing that any deliberate attempts to disturb communal harmony or derail ongoing peace efforts would be met with strict legal action.
The DIPR also highlighted that, aside from a few sporadic incidents, the law-and-order situation in Manipur has shown marked improvement over the past three to four months. The State Government attributed this progress to the relentless efforts of both Central and State forces, which have worked tirelessly to restore normalcy in the region.
In its statement, the Manipur Government appealed to the general public to refrain from relying on unverified information circulating on social media and through various news outlets. The public was urged to avoid spreading false or fabricated content, as doing so could escalate the current law-and-order situation and undermine the peace initiatives currently underway.
The government also issued a stern warning that anyone found involved in the dissemination of such unfounded and baseless information would be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the law. The State Government underscored its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and emphasized that any attempts to disrupt the peace would be met with decisive action.
