Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Social Media Weaponisation Discussed at Maj. Bob Khathing Lecture
A military lecture in New Delhi discussed how social media can be used to spread false stories.
The speakers said some online campaigns target security forces in Northeast India.
They warned that such messages can change how people view the forces.
They also said misinformation can create distrust in society.
Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera urged young people to be alert and careful online.
Subir Bhaumik explained how the information environment in the region is changing.
The speakers suggested ways to respond to misleading campaigns.
They connected trust-building with national integration.
The event also remembered Major Bob Khathing and his service in the Northeast.
The annual Maj. Bob Khathing Memorial Lecture examined the alleged weaponisation of social media in the Northeast.
Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar said leadership in the Northeast requires understanding security concerns and society.
Assam Rifles chief Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera warned that malicious online campaigns could destabilise society.
Journalist and author Subir Bhaumik discussed misinformation, propaganda and coordinated narratives targeting security forces.
The lecture proposed practical efforts to counter false narratives and build trust supporting national integration.
- Who
- Army and Assam Rifles officials, United Service Institution of India representatives, veterans, experts, academics, media professionals and scholars participated.
- What
- The annual Maj. Bob Khathing Memorial Lecture discussed social-media misinformation and alleged false narratives against security forces.
- When
- The event was reported on August 21.
- Where
- The lecture was held in New Delhi at the United Service Institution of India.
- Why
- It aimed to examine the security and social effects of misinformation while commemorating Major Bob Khathing’s legacy and discussing ways to counter false narratives.
- Lecture theme
- “Weaponisation of Social Media Platforms in the Northeast to Spread False Narrative against the Security Forces and Suggested Line of Efforts to Counter the Same”
- Host
- Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India
- Keynote speaker
- Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, Director General Military Operations
- Opening remarks
- Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General, Assam Rifles
- Featured lecturer
- Subir Bhaumik, journalist, author and commentator on the Northeast
- Main concerns
- Misinformation, propaganda, coordinated narrative campaigns, public distrust and harm to the credibility of security forces
- Commemorated figure
- Major Bob Khathing, whose service was associated with the Northeast and national integration