DIMAPUR — A growing presence of suspicious
social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) using fabricated Naga names has
raised eyebrows across the online community. These accounts, often
characterised by mismatched Naga first names and surnames, have prompted
discussions about their authenticity and intentions.
Examples include profiles such as ‘Toshinali Lotha,’
allegedly from Phek district, and ‘Konchangle Angami,’ claiming to be from
Longleng—both created in November 2024. Another account, ‘Morbeni Awomi,’ lists
Peren as its location and joined X in July 2024.
One such account, ‘Lotha Kikon,’ created in October 2023,
described itself as “nature explorer, army admirer, sports & news addict,
and living life with a curious mind, adventurous.”
A post by ‘Lotha Kikon’ on December 22, 2024, reads: “The
Kikon tribe’s attire is similar to that of the Lothas, characterised by vibrant
colours and intricate patterns. Like other Naga tribes, we also celebrate
agricultural festivals. #pride #Culture #Nagaland Manipur #Germany 18% GST
#zelena RC The King #alluarjunarrested.”
The post was accompanied by an image of people in Zeliang
attire, misrepresented as Lotha. Interestingly, the image, taken during the
2024 Hornbill Festival, was originally posted on Instagram by a Lotha woman,
which may have led the account to incorrectly presume it depicted the Lotha
tribe.
Furthermore, the caption’s reference to the “Kikon tribe” is inaccurate,
as Kikon is a surname within the Lotha community and not a separate tribe.
Other accounts like ‘Akaali Sumi,’ ‘Zimomi Sumi,’ and ‘Rinnu
Konyak,’ to name a few, follow a similar pattern. They have generic bios,
claiming interests in news, nature, and the Indian armed forces, and frequently
post or retweet links related to Nagaland, the northeastern states, and Indian
Army activities.
Most of these accounts showed similar behaviour, such as
sharing AI-generated images with greetings for Naga festivals and posting or
retweeting links about Nagaland and northeastern issues, particularly Manipur.
These accounts also reshare content from official Army handles, such as the
Spear Corps of the Indian Army.
Notably, none of these accounts allow others to send them
direct messages, and other attempts to verify their authenticity were unsuccessful.
Local social media users have expressed concern over the
potential misuse of these accounts. “I have been noticing these fake accounts
for quite some time. And while the reason or motive for creating them is
unknown, they surely serve as mediums to spread misinformation,” said one user
who wished to remain anonymous.
“In a global platform like X, the presence of these fake
accounts with ridiculous names and surnames can create confusion and negatively
impact people’s trust in online interactions with genuine Naga individuals,”
they added.
“Who’s to say the fake profiles are not being created to
spread propaganda, manipulate opinions, and influence political discourse
even?”
“I think it’s high time to screen and report profiles that
are being used to misrepresent the Nagas,” the anonymous user emphasised.
Meanwhile, a senior journalist, Imkong Walling, dismissed
the authenticity of the accounts, calling them “fictitious,” stating that such
“antics” are not uncommon for “state or extra-state actors, including the
intels and the Sanghis.”
Taking a broader view, he suggested, “If I am allowed to
take the liberty to let my imagination run wild, it could be that they are a
means to a greater plan to project a picture of a Nagaland or Nagas that they
believe are gradually joining or succumbing to New Delhi’s idea of the
‘mainstream.’”
