Imphal: The Manipur government has prohibited the circulation of videos or images depicting violence and damage to properties to restore normalcy in the ethnic strife-torn state.
Such dissemination will be dealt with severely and those responsible will be booked under the law, said the government order issued on Wednesday night, as reported by PTI.
The order was given as videos and images of widespread violence went viral on social media platforms.
The order by the Manipur home department stated, “The state government views very seriously and with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of videos and images depicting violent activities, inflicting harm or injury to (any)body or damage to private and public properties through various social media platforms which may aggravate the law and order situation in the state.
“The state government after thorough examination of the matter has decided to restrain the act of spreading such videos and images as a positive step towards bringing normalcy in the state,” it said.
Anyone in possession of such videos or images can approach the nearest superintendent of police irrespective of jurisdiction and submit them for taking appropriate action, the order said.
Any person found violating the order will be booked and prosecuted under the law and provision of misuse of technology. They will be dealt with under the IPC and IT Act, it added.
The northeastern state witnessed violence involving Meitei and Kuki tribe since May 3 this year. The violence had erupted after demands by Meiteis for tribe status.
