Kangpokpi: The Leimakhong Area Chiefs Organisation (LACO) has strongly condemned what it described as a coordinated campaign of “false allegations, malicious propaganda, and defamatory narratives” targeting Shri Lalboi Vaiphei, Chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, amid the ongoing tensions and recent violence in Manipur.
In a press statement issued on yesterday, LACO expressed deep sorrow over the killing of three senior church leaders on May 13, describing the incident as “heinous and tragic” and one that has shaken the conscience of peace-loving citizens across the state.
The organisation extended solidarity and condolences to the bereaved families of the slain church leaders and also expressed sympathy for the families of hostages from both communities, stating that they continue to endure “immense pain, fear, and uncertainty” during the ongoing crisis.
While condemning all forms of violence and the loss of innocent lives, LACO strongly rejected allegations circulating on social media linking Lalboi Vaiphei to the recent incidents. The organisation asserted that the village chief is “completely, unquestionably innocent” and has no involvement, connection, or role in the violence or related events being discussed online.
According to the statement, any attempt to associate his name with the incidents is “baseless, fabricated, and a deliberate act of misinformation intended to damage his reputation.”
LACO further described Lalboi Vaiphei as a respected figure known across communities, including among neighboring Liangmei communities, for his integrity, humility, and commitment to peace and communal harmony. The organisation said his public life and personal conduct stand in direct contradiction to the accusations being levelled against him online.
The chiefs’ body also condemned the circulation of manipulated photographs, AI-generated images, and fabricated digital content allegedly aimed at falsely implicating him. It warned that the misuse of technology to target innocent individuals during a period of collective grief is unethical and dangerous, and risks diverting attention from the demand for justice and accountability in the killing of the church leaders.
Calling on the public to remain cautious, LACO urged citizens not to fall prey to unverified claims or inflammatory propaganda on social media. It appealed to community leaders and the general public to work collectively toward preserving peace, truth, and communal harmony.
“At this critical moment, we call upon all citizens and community leaders to stand together in rejecting violence, misinformation, and hatred, and to uphold justice, unity, and truth,” the statement added.
