In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads like wildfire, often causing harm and division. Recently, a series of misleading tweets surfaced, accompanied by images of two girls with police. These tweets falsely claimed that two Meitei teenage girls suspected to be militants from Manipur had been apprehended in Silchar for drug smuggling. However, a thorough investigation reveals the true story behind the incident, shedding light on the intent behind the misleading tweets.
The Incident:
In February 2023, Silchar police made an arrest that would soon become distorted by misinformation. The two individuals in the images were identified as Lalhmangaih Zuali (alias Ahmai), 31 years old, and Lalramliani (alias Rummy), 28 years old. Hailing from Bawngkawn, Aizawl, these two Mizo girls were caught attempting to smuggle drugs from Mizoram into neighboring states through Cachar. It is important to note that they were not teenagers, as falsely claimed in the tweets.
Misleading Tweets:
Certain accounts, predominantly associated with the Kuki IT cell, initiated a campaign of hate and misinformation. These accounts circulated the images with false claims, specifically targeting a particular community in Manipur. The tweets quickly gained traction, fueling outrage and exacerbating communal tensions.
Fact-Checking by D-Intent:
Fortunately, diligent fact-checking organizations swiftly intervened to verify the authenticity of the claims made in the misleading tweets. D-Intent, a renowned fact-checking platform, conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. Their findings supported the actual events that transpired, debunking the false narrative propagated by the misleading tweets.
D-Intent’s Fact-Checking Results:
To substantiate the facts, D-Intent shared links to credible news sources that reported on the incident. The first link, sourced from India Today Northeast, provided comprehensive details about the arrest. It confirmed that the two Mizo girls were indeed arrested by Assam police in Silchar for attempting to smuggle drugs worth over 3 crores. The second link, from Barak Bulletin, corroborated the information, offering additional insights into the incident.
Here are the fact-checking links for quick reference:
- India Today Northeast: Read Article – Archived Version
- Barak Bulletin: Read Article – Archived Version
The Intent Behind the Incident:
The intent behind the misleading tweets becomes evident when we consider the timing, the targeted community, and the motives of the accounts involved. The propagation of false claims aimed at inciting hatred and dividing communities serves to perpetuate an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. It is crucial to recognize and reject such attempts to manipulate public opinion.
Conclusion:
The incident involving the arrest of two Mizo girls for drug smuggling in Silchar was distorted by misleading tweets, falsely claiming they were Meitei teenage girls suspected of militancy. Through the diligent efforts of fact-checking organizations like D-Intent, the truth was uncovered and shared with the public. It is essential for individuals to critically evaluate the information they encounter online, and for society as a whole to stand against the spread of misinformation that can lead to discord and harm.
Also read- Unveiling Misinformation: False Claims Against Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
