In a recent incident in Manipur, news claiming that a mob had stormed near Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s residence in Heingang, Imphal, went viral, sparking concerns and panic among the residents. However, upon thorough investigation, it has been found that this news is misleading and false. Manipur police have categorically denied any such attack on the Chief Minister’s residence and have assured the public that adequate security measures are already in place to maintain order.

The misleading news of a mob attack near the Chief Minister’s residence in Manipur gained traction through various sources. Several news portals, including The Frontier Manipur and India Today (North East) [archive], along with prominent individuals and journalists such as @sardesairajdeep, @APillania, and @Tamal0401, propagated this false claim. Additionally, certain political troll accounts, like @MahuaMoitraFans, @Politics_2022_, and @KakaAramdevp, played a significant role in amplifying the misleading information.

What Actually Happened

Contrary to the misleading reports, Manipur Police has clarified that there was no mob attack on the Chief Minister’s residence. The incident in question occurred near the ancestral house of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, located on the outskirts of Imphal, the state capital. Security forces had implemented stringent security measures in the valley to prevent any untoward incident. Archive of Manipur Police’s tweet.

News of CM's personal residence being mobbed is false and misleading. Adequate security is already in place. pic.twitter.com/wOLp1p3ah3

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) September 28, 2023

A mob did attempt to approach the Chief Minister’s ancestral home, coming dangerously close to the residence. Videos circulating online depict this situation. However, Manipur Police insist that they had deployed ample security measures to keep the mob at a safe distance of 100-150 meters from the residence. While the mob did not breach or attack the residence perimeter of the Manipur Chief Minister’s ancestral house, it did come alarmingly close, prompting security forces to take action to disperse the crowd. The security personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells to control the situation.

To further ensure the safety of the area, authorities switched off the electricity supply, reducing visibility and making it harder for the protesters to advance. Additional barricades were also installed near the Chief Minister’s ancestral house to reinforce security.

The Intent Behind the Misleading News

The intent behind spreading this misleading news is a matter of concern. Manipur is currently facing a challenging situation due to violent student demonstrations following the tragic deaths of two youngsters. The spread of false information only exacerbates the already tense atmosphere, potentially inciting further unrest.

It is essential to note that the Manipur Police’s prompt clarification and denial of any attack on the Chief Minister’s residence highlight the importance of responsible reporting and the need to verify information before sharing it. Misleading news can lead to unnecessary panic and hinder the efforts of security forces to maintain order in the state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the news of a mob attack near Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s residence in Heingang, Imphal, is misleading and false. Manipur Police have confirmed that there was no such attack, and the security measures effectively prevented any breach of the Chief Minister’s residence. The intent behind spreading this misinformation is concerning, especially in a region already grappling with violent demonstrations. It is crucial for media outlets and individuals to verify information before sharing it to avoid unnecessary panic and maintain peace in the state. Following a precise analysis and fact-checking, our team has reviewed the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread below.

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ANALYSIS: Misleading

FACT: News has been shared claiming that a mob stormed close to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's residence in Heingang, Imphal. Manipur police have clarified that the news about CM house being mobbed is false and baseless. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/EaAQxbDfTY

— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) September 28, 2023

Claim: A mob stormed into Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s ancestral home and burnt it. Heavy firing was reported.

Fact: Manipur Police have clarified that the news of a mob attack near CM Biren Singh’s residence is false and baseless. Adequate security measures were in place to prevent any such attack.

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