New Delhi: The Indian Army has debunked a digitally manipulated video circulating on social media that falsely attributes statements to Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, claiming China has taken control of parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The clip also alleged that Indian troops deployed in the region have been denied essential supplies. The Army’s fact-checking unit said that the video uses AI-generated lip-syncing and voice cloning to spread fabricated claims.
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The viral video claimed that Chinese forces have taken control of Asaphila, Longju and Taksing Circle in Arunachal Pradesh. It presented the alleged remarks as a leaked admission by a senior Army officer, potentially creating alarm over India’s border security.
The Army clarified that the footage actually came from a press briefing held in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, on October 27, 2023. At the time, Kalia was serving as Major General and General Officer Commanding of the 28 Infantry Division. His briefing focused on counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control (LoC), not Chinese activities in Arunachal Pradesh.
During the original briefing, Kalia reported that troops had foiled 10 infiltration attempts over the preceding eight months, resulting in the elimination of 27 terrorists and the recovery of weapons, other warlike stores and narcotics. The original footage contained no statement about Chinese control over Arunachal Pradesh or supply shortages faced by Indian troops.
The incident highlighted how authentic military footage can be repurposed with AI-generated audio and altered lip movements to spread disinformation. The Army has urged social media users to verify the authenticity and original source of military-related videos before sharing them.
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