Imphal: On the occasion of World Social Media Day, Manipur Police on Monday appealed to the public to use digital platforms responsibly and cautioned against spreading rumours, misinformation and content that could disturb public order or communal harmony.
Observed every year on June 30, World Social Media Day recognises the role of digital communication in connecting people across the globe. The 2026 theme, “Uniting the Digital World,” emphasises the importance of using online platforms to build trust, promote dialogue and strengthen communities.
Marking the occasion, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called on citizens to use social media responsibly.
In a message shared on his official Facebook page, the Chief Minister urged people to promote truth, harmony and responsible online behaviour while avoiding the misuse of digital platforms.
Echoing the appeal, Manipur Police issued a public advisory warning against the circulation of fake news, rumours and misleading content that could create panic, fuel communal tensions or disrupt law and order.
The advisory also cautioned against coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting security forces, police personnel and government officials. Authorities warned that sharing graphic images, threatening messages or inflammatory posts designed to spread fear could invite legal action.
Police further reminded citizens that using social media to intimidate law enforcement personnel or their family members is a punishable offence. They also reiterated that publishing the identity or photographs of minor victims is prohibited under the law.
As part of its efforts to curb the misuse of social media, the state government has stepped up monitoring of online content using advanced digital forensic tools. Working in coordination with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), authorities have identified more than 5,400 sensitive social media posts. Officials said thousands of these posts have already been removed, while several user accounts have been blocked for violating legal provisions.
The police also warned that administrators of social media groups could face legal consequences if they fail to remove unlawful or objectionable content shared within their groups.
Urging the public to verify information before forwarding it, the police appealed to citizens to report suspicious online activity or seek clarification by contacting the Central Control Room at 9485280419.