Maova village files FIR over alleged communal hate post on land dispute

KOHIMA — The Maova Village Council has lodged an FIR at Medziphema Police Station against a social media user accused of spreading communal hate and misrepresenting a local land dispute as communal conflict.

The complaint was filed on February 16 by council chairman Sutminlal Vaiphei and VDB secretary Paominlal Khobung against a Facebook user identified as ‘Lalboi Kipgen’.

According to the complaint submitted to the officer in-charge of Medziphema Sub-Division Police Station, the accused allegedly circulated a message on WhatsApp on February 14 relating to a village land issue of Maova village.

“The matter is purely a local land dispute; however, the accused deliberately misrepresented the issue and portrayed it as a communal conflict between the two communities,” the complaint stated.

Also read: At least 48 persons injured in Maova village violence, says Chümoukedima district administration

It stated that the post contained provocative and misleading statements that could disturb communal harmony, create tension between communities, and disrupt peace and law and order in the village.

“Due to this post, there is a possibility of breach of peace and the reputation of the village and community has been harmed,” it added.

The council requested the police to register a case under relevant sections of law relating to promoting enmity between communities, spreading false information and disturbing public peace, and to take necessary legal action to prevent further escalation. Screenshots of the post were submitted along with the complaint.

Vaiphei confirmed that the FIR had been filed on February 16 and said the council had not received any update from the police at the time of filing the report. He also said the alleged user had deleted the post as well as the Facebook account.

Meanwhile, a police source confirmed receipt of the FIR and said investigation is underway. No arrest had been made at the time of filing this report.