Nagaland Police warns against social media misinformation following terrorist attack in J&K

In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and its subsequent developments, the Nagaland Police have issued a warning about the spread of misinformation and false propaganda aimed at disturbing public peace and law and order in the state.

According to a press release from the Police Headquarters (PHQ), reliable sources have indicated that anti-national forces are likely to exploit social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (now X), to create false narratives and incite emotional and anti-national sentiments. The release noted that many posts circulating on these platforms originate from accounts operated out of Pakistan or by its agents.

“These posts are often downloaded and shared by the public, some of whom are unaware of the harmful intentions behind the content,” the release stated. It further expressed concern over the creation of new social media accounts or handles that will aim to spread disaffection and unrest among communities.

The Nagaland Police have urged citizens not to believe or share any unverified content encountered on social media, emphasizing the importance of proper verification and due diligence before circulating such information. “Please do not circulate or share any such content which has the potential to disturb the peaceable atmosphere in the State,” the statement added.

The press release also warned that such actions, including the spread of misinformation, are not only harmful to society but also constitute criminal offenses punishable by law.

As an example of this misinformation campaign, one example highlighted by the police is the account @SophiaNaga, which claims to be that of a Naga nationalist and human rights activist. The account, which was created in March 2025, has gained traction with posts advocating for the independence of Nagaland and condemning the Indian government. One post reads: ”Why I burnt the Indian flag? Not out of hate but out of pain. For 77 years, my people in Nagaland have lived under military boots. We’ve faced rape, torture, fake encounters, and constant fear.”

The account further shared a disturbing video where the user claims to have suffered abuse after burning the Indian flag. In the video, the individual is shown with alleged bruises and makes inflammatory statements, including, “I won’t be silent. I’ll burn this flag again. Long live Nagaland. Shame on you, India.”

However, the Nagaland Police have categorically debunked this content, confirming that no such incident has taken place in Nagaland. The police clarified that Sophia Naga does not exist as a real person involved in these activities and that the account is part of a larger misinformation campaign designed to incite unrest and create divisions.

MT