Kohima: A widely circulated article claiming that Naga separatist group NSCN-IM has killed 37 Indian Army soldiers in Assam’s Dima Hasao district has been officially debunked by security authorities in Nagaland, who have called it a case of misinformation with malicious intent.
The claim was published by a little-known website europe404.com under the sensational headline “37 Indian Soldiers Killed By Naga Separatists.” The article alleges that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN-IM] carried out a deadly ambush, resulting in the deaths of 37 soldiers—an event that has not occurred, according to defence officials.
Public Relations Officer (Defence) in Kohima categorically denied the incident, stating, that the news is totally false, baseless, and posted with a malicious intent, especially in view of the current security situation.”
The timing of the fake report is being viewed with concern, coming amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma also issued a statement warning the public and media outlets against falling prey to false narratives.
“Beware of misinformation and false propaganda by Pakistan-sponsored handles,” Sharma cautioned.
Officials have urged news organisations and social media users to verify information through official channels before sharing or publishing.
Meanwhile, reliable sources informed that the NSCN-IM follows a US convention that prevents the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as claimed in the article.