Imphal: Officials from several security agencies monitoring the situation in the restive northeastern state of Manipur have stated that rumours and fake news have played a major role in fueling the ethnic violence that started on May 3 and has left over 160 dead.
After a picture of a body wrapped in polythene was circulated in the Imphal valley with the false claim that the victim had been murdered by tribals in Churachandpur, a spate of sexual attacks occurred, including the despicable incident on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, where two women were paraded naked and assaulted by several people.