Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The Press Information Bureau held a Vartalap workshop in Dimapur at Hotel Saramati on Tuesday. Experts gathered to examine cyber security, defamation laws, and journalistic standards under the theme Cyber Suraksha Bharat: Legal Perspective on Defamation and Journalistic Responsibilities.
Dimapur Press Club president Henlly Phom Odyuo spoke as the guest of honour. She identified online fraud as a major social concern in Nagaland. Journalists must balance fast reporting with legal safety. Odyuo told the attendees, "Cyber crime was no longer confined to the police but had become a social concern in Nagaland." She urged reporters to maintain ethics when distinguishing between opinion and hard news.
Public Prosecutor Temsunaro Jamir broke down the legal risks of defamation. She referenced Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaces the older Section 500 of the IPC. Defamation carries both civil and criminal weights. She reminded the room that fact verification and impartiality remain the best defense against litigation.
Kihika Chishi, the officer in charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station at PHQ, provided a grim reality check. He categorized crimes into attacks on individuals, government, and property. Fraudsters use smishing, phishing, and vishing to steal money. Chishi warned that organized networks frequently use social engineering to manipulate victims. Money remains the primary target for these criminals.
The event closed with an interactive session for media representatives to discuss digital safeguards. Andrew Lalchhandama, IIS, M&CO, PIB Kohima, opened the meeting, while P. Sophie, IIS, HoO, PIB Kohima, delivered the final vote of thanks.
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