Shillong, July 31: The Manipur government has issued a stern warning to individuals and organizations, urging them to refrain from spreading, publishing, or generating fake news, lies, rumors, or misinformation related to the ongoing situation in the state. Failure to comply with this directive will result in severe action, with potential charges of sedition being applied.
According to officials citing a government notification, disseminating incorrect information will be dealt with under sedition charges. The government is actively working towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state, and any dissemination of false information would be considered an act of sedition, as stated in the notification released by Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi.
As per IANS, the notification emphasized that no one will be exempt from prosecution under the country’s laws if they are found to be generating or spreading false news, lies, rumors, or propaganda with malicious intent, which could exacerbate the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.
The Chief Secretary’s notification highlighted that several individuals in positions of responsibility and with significant social media followings have been directly involved in creating and sharing information related to the ongoing law and order situation in Manipur. A substantial portion of this information has been found to be fake news, lies, rumors, or misinformation. The dissemination of such inaccurate information has the potential to misguide public opinion, incite violence, and lead to rebellious actions against the state’s authority, potentially resulting in loss of human lives, injuries, and property damage.
The notification unequivocally proclaimed that no one will be immune from prosecution under the country’s laws if they are found guilty of generating or spreading fake news, lies, rumors, or misinformation.
The state government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals found to be generating, sharing, or publishing any false information that could worsen the current law and order situation in Manipur.