Imphal : The Government of Manipur has firmly dismissed rumours circulating on social media alleging that security personnel were responsible for the deaths of civilians during recent protests, describing the claims as “misleading” and “baseless.”

In an official statement issued on April 7, the government said that several posts and tweets claiming that innocent people had been killed in the state were unverified and lacked factual basis. Authorities urged citizens to exercise caution and refrain from sharing unconfirmed information, particularly given the prevailing sensitivities in the region.

Emphasising the importance of responsible communication, the statement appealed to the public to verify information before forwarding it. “Before sharing any message, it is important to ensure its authenticity and consider whether it contributes positively or negatively to the situation,” the government said, warning that rumours could further inflame tensions.

The administration also underlined that spreading misinformation capable of disturbing public order constitutes a punishable offence under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It cautioned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals found deliberately circulating false or provocative content.

The clarification follows unverified reports suggesting that security forces had opened fire on protesters, leading to civilian casualties. Rejecting these allegations, Manipur Police stated that no such incident had occurred and reiterated that the claims were entirely unfounded.

Officials added that legal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible for spreading misinformation online, as part of efforts to maintain law and order.

Reiterating its appeal for calm, the government called on citizens to prioritise truth and unity, stressing that reliance on verified information is critical to preserving peace and stability during uncertain times.