ST files case over fake news

SHILLONG: The Publisher of The Shillong Times on Wednesday filed a case against some persons who had posted on Facebook, misrepresenting the English daily’s post regarding a press statement on the state government’s decision to re-impose state-wide lockdown.
“Accordingly, a cognisable case was registered at Cyber Crime Police Station under relevant sections of IPC and Disaster Management Act,” a police statement said. The police has also exhorted public to refrain themselves from circulating fake news on social media.
It may be mentioned that Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, on Tuesday said that if the COVID-19-induced situation deteriorates in the state, “the government will be left with no other option than to impose lockdown”.
It was only after this that social media was flooded with posts claiming that the state government will re-impose a lockdown in Shillong starting July 10.
Debunking the claims that disseminated among masses, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, in a late-night tweet said, “There are rumours and fake news that there is a lockdown in Shillong from July 10. I would like to clarify that the Government of Meghalaya has taken no such decision.”