11 people arrested for spreading fake news on coronavirus in Mizoram

MIZORAM: 11 people were arrested in Mizoram for spreading fake news on coronavirus infection mainly through WhatsApp.

The 11 were arrested on Tuesday after a suo-moto case was file by Mizoram police, said Inspector general of police (headquarters) John Neihlaia . A case under Section 505 (1)(b) (intent to cause fear or alarm to the public) was filed against them. They were then later released on bail. The fake news claimed that a woman who had returned from Singapore was put under house isolation after she refused to get admitted to a hospital.

Later, an investigation revealed that the woman who had returned from Singapore was screened twice—first at Kolkata airport and then again at Lengpui airport. In both cases she did not show any symptom related to the virus.

Around 14,640 people have been kept under complete observation for coronavirus, said a Health Department official from Mizoram. At least seven screening centers are set up in different parts of the state along with international and inter-state borders with the Lengpui airport. The state health secretary, Mr. H Lalengmawia mentioned that over 14,648 people, who had traveled from foreign countries, have undergone screening at these counters since February 2.

It is important to note that, Mizoram and Manipur governments have decided to close borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh amid coronavirus outbreak.

Mizoram shares a 510-km border with Myanmar and 318-km boundary with Bangladesh.

According to an official order, issued by special secretary (home) H. Gyan Prakash, “In view of possible threat of transmission of Coronavirus/Covid-19, Government of Manipur hereby prohibits movement of people across the international border,” said an order issued on Monday night by H Gyan Prakash, the state’s special secretary (home). Accordingly orders closure of Gate No.1, No.2, Moreh and other crossing points along Manipur section of the Indo-Myanmar border until further orders.”

Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh have announced ban on foreigners entering the country. Novel coronavirus that originated from China’s Wuhan city has spread across the globe, causing widespread panic for the past few months. As per media reports, the COVID-19 cases have now spread in more than 100 countries, including India.

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