Manipur’s Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, reported on Monday that the authorities have identified 5,406 posts related to violence and communal issues since June 2023. This initiative comes as the state continues to deal with the aftermath of ethnic violence that erupted in May. In an effort to control misinformation, approximately 3,200 of these posts have been removed, along with the blocking of 187 pages and accounts.

The actions were taken in collaboration with the state Information Technology Department and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Singh emphasised the importance of preventing, monitoring, and verifying fake news to maintain public order. He highlighted that enhancing the social media outreach of the Manipur Police has been a key strategy in their response.

According to Singh, the police’s social media following has seen significant growth, with its Facebook followers currently at 79,000 and X (formerly Twitter) followers at 27,000. This expanded outreach aims to clarify doubts and provide timely updates to the public in a tumultuous environment.

Police Modernisation Efforts Underway

During the event, 477 new police vehicles, including armoured cars and two-wheelers, were unveiled by Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground. The DGP noted that upon taking office in June 2023, he faced significant challenges due to the ongoing ethnic violence. The police force has developed a comprehensive plan aimed at modernising its operational capacities.

A proposal for this modernisation plan was submitted to the state government towards the end of 2023. Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs allocated Rs 196.61 crore for the enhancement of security measures, infrastructure, mobility, forensics, and communication systems. This investment is intended to bolster the efficiency and effectiveness of the Manipur Police.

Singh explained that the newly added vehicles will primarily improve mobility and logistical support across both hill and valley districts. He specified that 54 per cent of the vehicles will be dispatched to the hill districts, while the remaining will serve valley regions and specialised police units.

Anti-Extortion Initiatives Implemented

In addition to the efforts against socially disruptive posts, Singh announced the establishment of a dedicated integrated anti-extortion cell aimed at combating extortion activities prevalent in the region. Since its formation, over 1,000 individuals involved in extortion have been apprehended from both hill and valley districts, contributing to a more secure environment.

During operations, security forces have occasionally encountered protests and blockades, which Singh noted can hinder their ability to perform lawful duties. He highlighted that actions obstructing law enforcement are detrimental to societal progress and urged the public to cooperate with security personnel.

The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in the loss of more than 260 lives and left thousands homeless since May 2023, particularly between the Meitei community of Imphal Valley and the Kuki community of the adjacent hills. The state continues to work on measures to restore peace and security amidst these challenging circumstances.

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