NEW DELHI | The Indian Army has debunked a digitally manipulated video circulating on social media that falsely attributes statements to senior Army officer Lt Gen Girish Kalia, claiming that China has taken control of three areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Indian troops have been denied essential supplies.

In a fact-check post, the Army clarified that the video contained fabricated remarks and sought to portray them as a leaked admission by a senior military officer. It said the footage had been digitally altered using artificially generated content to falsely attribute the statements to Kalia.

The viral video alleges that China has taken control of Asaphila, Longju and Taksing Circle in Arunachal Pradesh. It further claims that Indian troops deployed in the region have been deprived of essential supplies.

Rejecting the allegations, the Army said the original footage was taken from a press briefing delivered by then General Officer Commanding of the 28 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Girish Kalia, in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, on October 27, 2023.

The briefing had focused on infiltration attempts across the Line of Control (LoC) and had no connection with the claims about Arunachal Pradesh being circulated online, the Army clarified.

During the original briefing, Maj Gen Kalia had reported that security forces had foiled 10 infiltration attempts, eliminated 27 terrorists and recovered warlike stores and narcotics.

The Army said the officer had made no statements suggesting Chinese control over any of the areas mentioned in the viral video. It also rejected the allegation that Indian troops had been denied essential supplies.

The incident highlights the potential use of digitally manipulated footage from genuine military briefings to spread misinformation and attribute fabricated statements to serving or former military officials.

The Army’s clarification comes amid the circulation of unverified claims concerning India’s territorial security and military preparedness. The misleading video uses footage from an authentic military briefing but presents it in a false context to lend credibility to the allegations.

The Army urged the public to exercise caution while consuming and sharing content on social media, particularly videos purportedly featuring senior military officials, and to verify such claims through official sources.