Manipur CM N Biren Singh announces reward for arrest of social media user spreading rumours
N Biren Singh on Tuesday expressed his frustration as he publicly criticised an individual who had disseminated false information on social media. In a move to deter such behaviour, the CM also announced a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible.
The unidentified individual had posted a video on social media showing a convoy of heavy vehicles transporting large machinery, claiming that these machines were intended for mining platinum and uranium in Imphal.
In response, Chief Minister Biren Singh uploaded a video message to his Facebook page, clarifying that these machines were, in fact, meant for cleaning and dredging Phumdis (floating biomasses) from the ailing Lamphelpat (Lamphel Lake), located in the outskirts of Imphal West district.
Lamphel Lake has experienced a decline in its water status, leading to recurrent flash floods during the rainy season, adversely affecting the local population. The government has been making significant efforts over the past four to five years to preserve Lamphelpat and prevent sudden floods, with a recent work order issued for the lake's cleaning.
Singh expressed his concern about the misinformation's potential to confuse and agitate the public, possibly leading to the destruction of the expensive machinery recently acquired for the lake's restoration.
He urged vigilance against those who spread misleading rumors within the state and emphasized the importance of timely action to prevent Manipur from suffering the consequences of such misinformation.
