Dimapur, 22nd September 2026 (Nokinketer News): Journalists need to exercise greater caution in handling cybercrime-related reports and allegations, while maintaining accuracy, fairness and legal awareness in their professional work, speakers said at a Media Workshop-VARTALAP on “Cyber Suraksha Bharat: Overview of Cyber Crime in Nagaland and Legal Perspective on Defamation and Journalistic Responsibilities” held at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, on Tuesday.
The workshop was organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kohima, to enhance awareness among media professionals on cybercrime, emerging digital threats, defamation laws and journalistic responsibilities.
Guest of Honour and Dimapur Press Club president Henley Phom Odyuo said cybercrime was no longer merely a police matter but had emerged as a wider social issue in Nagaland. She pointed out that citizens often approached the media after falling victim to online fraud, making it important for journalists to report such cases without hampering investigations or violating legal requirements.
She also stressed the need for journalists to understand the balance between freedom of expression and legal liability, particularly with the rapid circulation of information through WhatsApp and social media.
Odyuo called for improved coordination between police and the media, including a streamlined mechanism for sharing verified information and updates. She also urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and ensure that the workshop leads to continued cooperation and practical follow-up.
During the technical session, Kihika Chishi, NPS, Officer-in-Charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station, PHQ, briefed participants on the status and emerging trends of cybercrime in Nagaland.
He said cyber offences did not necessarily involve sophisticated technology and could begin with a careless click, sharing of an OTP, weak password or misplaced trust. He urged people to protect passwords, PINs and other sensitive information, use multi-factor authentication, secure social media settings and download applications only from authentic sources.
Chishi advised cybercrime victims, particularly those affected by financial fraud, to act immediately and preserve available evidence. He urged victims to call 1930, report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and approach the nearest police station.
He also cautioned against forwarding unverified information, rumours and misleading content on social media, noting that such content could create public fear or hostility between communities.
Public Prosecutor, Dimapur, Temsunaro Jamir, addressed the legal aspects of defamation and journalistic responsibilities. She urged journalists to exercise particular caution while reporting on crime, court proceedings and allegations.
Jamir explained the distinction between civil and criminal defamation and stressed the importance of accuracy, fairness and verification. Journalists, she said, should clearly distinguish facts from allegations, analysis and opinion, while avoiding sensational headlines, captions and social media posts that could distort a report.
On court reporting, she cautioned against conducting a “parallel trial” through the media in ongoing criminal cases. She stressed the presumption of innocence and advised journalists to use precise terms when reporting arrests and allegations rather than declaring an accused person guilty before a court verdict.
She also highlighted statutory safeguards concerning children, particularly under the POCSO Act, and cautioned against disclosing the identity of minor survivors through direct or indirect details.
Jamir further stressed the importance of providing the right of reply and maintaining records of attempts to obtain responses from persons facing allegations. She also advised journalists to preserve raw recordings, field notes and primary documents as evidence of due diligence in case of legal proceedings.
The inaugural session featured opening remarks by Andrew Lalchhandama, IIS, MCO, PIB Kohima, while P. Sophie, IIS, HOO, PIB Kohima, delivered the vote of thanks.
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