In a release dated July 18, 2023 made available to media houses on Wednesday, the chief secretary stated that it has been brought to the notice of the state government that a large number of registered and unregistered Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) have been publishing false or unverified information in both the print and electronic media on matters related to the ongoing violence and current unrest in the state with contents which are likely to further incite people belonging to a certain community in escalating the ongoing violence.

The chief secretary also stated that publication of such unverified or false information related to the ongoing violence by the CSOs and NGOs has been viewed seriously by the state government as it is impeding the peace restoration process taken up by the state government.

Therefore, editors of all the print and electronic media in the state are hereby requested not to publish any unverified or false information related to the ongoing violence and current unrest in the state, the chief secretary said.

In view of the sensitive nature of the case and to ensure that no further untoward incidents occur in the state due to publication/broadcast/announcement of such unverified and false information, a humble appeal is hereby made to both the print and electronic media and other concerned stakeholders to desist from such publication etc, the chief secretary said.

If anyone or organisation is found guilty and violating these instructions, he or she and the defaulting organisation will be held responsible and appropriate legal action as deemed fit under the rules shall be taken against him or her or the said organisation, the chief secretary warned.