Several social media users shared a video allegedly showing a protest march in Manipur, which is under the President’s rule after prolonged ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Meitei communities. Users sharing the claim alleged that the residents in Manipur were conducting a torch march “after declaring independence from India.”
Multiple others shared the 1:30-minute-clip claiming it to show protesters in Manipur demanding independence from India. Newschecker, however, found such claims to be untrue.
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
Fact Check/Verification
On a keyword search using relevant keywords, we did not find recent reports on any such protest march in Manipur as claimed in the viral posts.
A Google Lens search on the keyframes of the viral clip led us to a Facebook post by @asper.khomdram.75, a Manipur-based ‘digital creator’. The post, dated September 9, 2024, carried a longer version (7:37 min) of the same video.
In this longer version of the video, we were able to spot the entire banner, stating “Do Not Obliterate Manipur,” held by the participants of the rally.
Another Facebook post by @SiliguriTimesNow, dated September 10, 2024 carried visuals similar to the one seen in the viral video, and stated, “People of Manipur want change now. Women protesters took out a rally with torches in their hands against Manipur Violence. Huge protest by Manipur women against Govt over 16 months long ongoing violence…”
On comparing the images featured in the Facebook post with the keyframes of the viral video, we could conclude that they were from the same event.
We also found an Instagram post by Manipuri film-maker Romi Meitei, dated September 10, 2024, carrying a shorter version of the same video. “After DRONE BOMBING by Kuki Narco Terrorist “MEIRA PAIBI” (women torch bearers) rally to protect the future of Manipur and stand for peace, unity, and progress.”
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Using these as a clue, we looked up keywords “Meira Paibis” “torch rally”, “Manipur” on Google, and set the time frame of the search from September 1 to September 15, 2024. This yielded a report by India Today NE.
Carrying similar visuals of a march, it stated, “In a powerful display of public frustration over the government’s inaction to resolve the ongoing conflict in Manipur, a torch rally was organized today, September 9 by the Meira Paibis of Thangmeiband and neighboring areas.”
“Chants and slogans filled the air as the demonstrators voiced their demands, calling for the unity of Manipur and urging the government to restore peace. Key slogans included, “Don’t disintegrate Manipur,” “We want peace,” and “Long live Manipur”. Protesters also called for the release of village volunteers, the removal of the Director General of Police and the security adviser, and for the transfer of the unified command to the state government,” it added.
We compared the keyframes of the viral clip with the video featured in India Today NE report, and found several similarities. The participants also carried the same banner as seen in the longer version of the viral video posted on Facebook by @asper.khomdram.75.
An X post by news agency PTI also featured a video from the same torch march, and stated, “Manipur: Women hold a protest rally in Imphal’s Thangmeiband over continued violence in the state.”
The Lok Sabha on Thursday adopted a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of the President’s rule in Manipur. Union Minister Amit Shah said the government has taken all possible steps to bring back normalcy in the restive Northeastern state. Adding that there has been no violence in Manipur in the last four months, he said talks were on with both Meitei and Kuki communities for a peaceful solution.
The Centre on February 13 had imposed President’s rule in Manipur under the Constitution’s Article 356, days after Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned.
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Conclusion
Hence, viral posts alleging to show a protest rally in Manipur over independence from India were found to be misleading.
Sources
Facebook Post By @asper.khomdram.75, Dated September 9, 2024
Facebook Post By @SiliguriTimesNow, Dated September 10, 2024
Instagram Post By @romi_meitei, Dated September 10, 2024
Report By India Today NE, Dated September 9, 2024
X Post By @PTI_News, Dated September 9, 2024
