Every rumour has a life of its own and it keeps on mutating until and unless actual facts and figures are placed by official accounts or credible sources. It is said, rumours spread through word of mouth keeps on changing versions as it travels to places and unless the rumour is debunked, it actually becomes dangerous. Before the internet and social media entered our lives, rumours were mostly spread through word of mouth and as there was not a mechanism in place to debunk the rumour stays and takes a life of its own.
A habitual rumour-monger is someone who has a compulsive behaviour of relaying unverified news or events in a bid to project himself or herself as one who has all the information at his or her fingertips. Such rumours are spread at ‘Leipung Phamba’ or other gatherings in olden days.
Now, spreading rumours has become easier with the entry of social media platforms. The more sensational the unverified news or rumour is, it spreads fast and ends up being viral. But there is also an option available such as unverified news or rumours for debunking or killing it with facts and figures backed by authentic accounts and images, which was not available in the days before the advent of social media.
The Manipur government or the police think shutting down internet services would check the spread of unverified news or rumours among the general public and that is why it chose to close down internet in the valley districts and impose curfew. Banning internet services closed down all options of clearing up unverified news and rumours, while clamping of curfew restrictions have resulted in making life immobile and disturbing the daily routine of everyone. As people were advised to remain indoors, their productive life and behaviour had been shut down and as such mischief finds a way into their minds. These ramifications, the powers that be did not consider in their quest for an unimaginative way of dealing with situations.
The police PR said that there are numerous reports of fake news and rumours of sensitive nature doing rounds in social media which may further fuel the ongoing law and order situation. Police are monitoring such fake news and rumours on social media critically and strong legal action will be taken up against anyone circulating any such fake news or rumours. It also appealed to the general public not to believe in rumors and be aware of false videos. Any circulation of unfounded videos etc. may be confirmed from the rumor free number 9233522822 of the Central Control room, it said.
However, two rumours were flying around the day the curfew was imposed and internet banned. The first rumour is that a girl student of TG Higher Secondary School had succumbed to her injuries in police action near Raj Bhavan and the second rumour was that student protestors replaced the National Flag at DC office in Thoubal. The first rumour was debunked quickly and the second report was clarified that the report is fake.
The student protestors tried to replace an old and worn out Salai Taret (7 coloured flag) which was on the outside gate of DC office, Thoubal on September 9, it stated. It mentioned that both the flags were removed from the gate after the mob was dispersed by the police. That was because the internet was up and social media was active then. Again, a pregnant woman was reported dead due to police action at Kakwa the following day and everyone thought it was true as there was no mechanism to debunk it. Still, the woman is in a coma at the RIMS ICU. This is exactly the result of the internet ban.
(The views expressed are personal)
