SDO warns of action against rumor-mongers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 13, 2021

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Pynursla Civil Sub-Division has warned to take stern action against persons indulging in rumor mongering and circulating false rumors which have the potential to cause panic and alarm especially with COVID-19 related matters.

“(Such people) will be punished as per the provisions of Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Section 505(1) of the Indian Penal Code which entails a punishment of upto one year and three years respectively,” the SDO said in an order.

The order was necessitated in view of the notice received that there are false messages, rumors, misinformation, disinformation circulating within the Pynursla Civil Sub-Division in social media through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, text messages, unauthorized Public Address System and word-of-mouth regarding the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and how it can have an adverse impact on the health of the beneficiaries.

In certain pockets of the Sub-Division, this rumor-mongering has misled people and severely affected the coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination drive thereby leading to loss of precious opportunity for some to guard themselves and their loved ones against the spread of the virus.