The Nagaland Police has appealed to the people of Nagaland to maintain peace, vigilance and communal harmony amid concerns over possible spillover disturbances from the prevailing law and order situation in the neighbouring state.
In a statement issued by the PRO of Police Headquarters, Kohima, on May 22, the police said citizens should exercise “utmost vigilance and responsibility” in preserving peace and social harmony in the State.
The police strongly advised the public against sharing, forwarding or disseminating unverified information, rumours or provocative social media content capable of creating “false, misleading or provocative narratives.”
The statement also cautioned against the growing threat of artificially generated content and misinformation.
“Besides unverified or uncorroborated information, in the age of Artificially Generated content, creating misleading narratives is not difficult,” the statement said.
The police further warned that particular caution should be exercised against content that could disturb ethnic and inter-community relations in Nagaland.
While appealing for restraint and patience, the police warned that individuals found deliberately or irresponsibly spreading fake news, rumours or inflammatory content through social media or other platforms would face legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the IT Act and other applicable laws.
Citizens were also urged not to circulate rumours or unverified information that may create panic or mistrust among communities.
The police appealed to the public to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious individual or activity attempting to disturb social harmony and peaceful coexistence among communities in the State to the nearest police station or Police Headquarters, Kohima.
“Nagaland has maintained normalcy and peace despite frayed tempers in the neighborhood. We solicit everyone’s cooperation in keeping it that way,” the statement said, while adding that insulating the State from developments in neighbouring areas and avoiding reactionary responses was desirable.
The police assured citizens that the situation is being closely monitored and that necessary measures are in place to maintain law and order across the State.