Social media manipulation in Assam has become a serious concern after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that more than 5,000 Facebook accounts—run from foreign countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—are spreading misleading content to destabilize the state.
This digital interference, according to Sarma, goes beyond misinformation. It’s a coordinated effort to influence Assam’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections. With growing internet penetration and rising social media use in the region, this manipulation could have long-term implications.
What the CM Revealed About Social Media Manipulation in Assam
Chief Minister Sarma stated that the foreign-run Facebook accounts promote divisive content and support opposition parties, especially the Congress. These profiles don’t just push political opinions—they try to stir communal sentiments.
“These aren’t just trolls or bots. These are full-fledged psychological operations meant to destabilize Assam,” said Sarma during a press briefing.
He stressed the need for national-level coordination to stop this growing cyber threat.
How Social Media Manipulation in Assam Is Carried Out
Targeted Disinformation Campaigns
The masterminds behind social media manipulation create fake profiles using AI-generated avatars and stolen images. These accounts blend into local online communities, making their influence more effective.
They post emotionally charged videos, inflammatory memes, and misleading headlines that exploit existing social tensions. Once shared within private groups, this content spreads rapidly and is often believed to be authentic.
Timing and Political Motivation
The timing of these campaigns is no coincidence. With Assam Assembly elections approaching, foreign actors appear to be manipulating digital narratives to polarize communities and reduce voter trust in institutions.
Political analysts suggest this strategy aims to confuse undecided voters and deepen divisions, a tactic seen in other global disinformation campaigns.
How Assam Is Responding to the Manipulation
To combat the issue, the Assam government is collaborating with:
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Cybercrime units across the Northeast
- Social media platforms like Meta, which owns Facebook
Officials are working to trace IP addresses, flag harmful content, and request takedowns of suspicious accounts. CM Sarma also called for stricter national laws to tackle foreign influence operations without compromising free speech.
Why Every User Should Care About Social Media Manipulation in Assam
The stakes are high. With over 25 million internet users in Assam, even a small amount of misinformation can go viral and influence public opinion or incite unrest.
Here’s what you can do:
- Double-check information before sharing
- Report suspicious profiles or pages
- Encourage family and friends to verify sources
Digital literacy is your best defense
Let’s Counter Social Media Manipulation in Assam Together
Social media manipulation in Assam threatens both political stability and digital trust. But each of us plays a role in defending truth online.
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