In a recent development in Manipur, former police officer Thounaojam Brinda found herself at the centre of a controversy. A voice recording video of her blaming Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun for the ongoing crisis in the state went viral. However, she later clarified that she was misinformed and had made an irresponsible comment based on information received through social media.
Misleading Claims by Ex-Manipur Cop Thounaojam Brinda Spreading on Social Media
A voice recording video featuring Thounaojam Brinda, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police in Manipur, recently made rounds on social media platforms. In the video, Brinda alleged the involvement of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei socio-cultural organization, and Meitei Leepun, an organization dedicated to preserving Meitei culture and traditions, in the ongoing violence and crisis in Manipur (Archive of the initial video of her claims).
🔴 Big Revelation by Brinda
— Kuki-Zo Alliance (Tribal_Solidarity) (@ne_trending) October 4, 2023
🔴 who ignited War in Manipur?
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐨𝐥 & 𝐌𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐢 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐫 : 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐨𝐣𝐚𝐦#ThisIsKukiZoStory pic.twitter.com/elrbyhbouc
In response to Brinda’s allegations, members of Meitei Leepun gathered at her residence in Imphal West and urged her to provide evidence to support her claims. This development highlighted the seriousness of the allegations made by the former police officer.
Brinda’s Retraction and Clarification
Shortly after the video went viral, the former Manipur cop, Thounaojam Brinda retracted her statements and issued a clarification. She admitted that she had been misled by a video she saw on social media. In her retraction, Brinda openly stated that she wrongly accused Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun of being involved in the violence within the state. She emphasized that both organizations were not responsible for the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
#PRESSMEET: Brinda clarifies her statement on Arambai Tenggol
— Manipur Times (@ManipurTimes) October 4, 2023
Courtesy : TMB News pic.twitter.com/t4P7QhkYNt
Conclusion:
The circulating voice recording video featuring Thounaojam Brinda, in which she accused Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun of involvement in the Manipur crisis, is misleading. Brinda herself has retracted her statements and clarified that she was misinformed by a video she saw on social media. The allegations against the Meitei community are not substantiated, and community members have sought evidence to support these claims. It is essential to rely on verified and credible sources when assessing such serious allegations to avoid contributing to further tensions in the already fragile situation in Manipur.
The Manipur crisis began with ethnic clashes on May 3, stemming from a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. This demand has triggered tensions between the Meitei, who constitute approximately 53% of Manipur’s population and reside mainly in the Imphal Valley, and the Nagas and Kukis, who make up just over 40% of the population and live in the hill districts.
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.
1154
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) October 4, 2023
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: A voice recording video of former police officer Thounaojam Brinda is being shared widely, in which she can be heard blaming Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, and Barish Sharma for the ongoing crisis in Manipur. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/QBRDz6HR8l
Claim: Former Manipur cop Thounaojam Brinda accused Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun of involvement in the Manipur crisis.
Fact: Thounaojam Brinda later clarified that she was misinformed and wrongly accused the organizations. There is no substantial evidence to support her initial allegations.
Also Read: Digitally Altered Video of “Texas Cowboy Reunion” Circulated as Real: Fact-Check
