A photograph showing burning structures, captioned as being from recent unrest in Imphal, was in fact taken during the initial clashes in May 2023, according to a reverse image search that matched the photo to reports published at that time. The image has circulated repeatedly since, recaptioned to suggest it depicts current events.

This is a recurring pattern Sentinel NE has observed: older, dramatic images from the conflict’s early months resurface during periods of renewed tension, adding to confusion about the current state of affairs on the ground. Local officials this week said no incident matching the photo’s claimed recent date had been reported.

Readers are encouraged to check photo and video timestamps and cross-reference with recent, dated reporting before sharing dramatic conflict imagery.