Nagaland Police issue advisory amid Manipur crisis

DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the neighbouring state Manipur and the possibility of disturbances spreading to Nagaland, Nagaland Police has appealed to all citizens to maintain utmost vigilance and responsibility in preserving peace and communal harmony in the State.
In a press release, PRO PHQ informed that the public has been strongly advised to refrain from sharing, forwarding or disseminating any unverifiable information, social media posts or rumours likely to create false, misleading or provocative narratives.
Police stated that in the age of artificially generated content, creating misleading narratives was not difficult and cautioned citizens against content that could disturb ethnic and inter-community relations in the State. While requesting restraint and patience, the police warned that mischievous elements indulging in the deliberate or irresponsible spread of fake news, rumours or inflammatory content through social media or any other medium would be identified and dealt with as per the law. It stated that such acts may invite legal action under relevant provisions of the BNS, IT Act and other applicable laws.
Police further urged citizens not to spread rumours or unverified information that could create panic or mistrust among communities. Public have also been urged to remain alert and report any suspicious individual or activity attempting to disturb the prevailing social harmony and peaceful coexistence among various communities in the State.
It informed that any such information should be immediately brought to the notice of the nearest police station or Police Headquarters, Kohima. Stating that Nagaland has maintained normalcy and peace despite frayed tempers in the neighbourhood, the police solicited cooperation from all sections in maintaining peace and added that insulating from developments in neighbouring areas and not reacting to such developments was desirable. Police assured citizens that the situation was being closely monitored and all necessary measures were in place.