New Delhi, Aug 21: The Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), organised the Annual Maj Bob Khathing Memorial Lecture 2026 at USI, New Delhi, on August 21, focusing on the growing challenge posed by the weaponisation of social media and the spread of false narratives against security forces in the Northeast.

The lecture, titled “Weaponisation of Social Media Platforms in the North East to Spread False Narratives against Security Forces and Suggested Line of Efforts to Counter the Same,” brought together senior military officers, veterans, strategic experts, academicians and media professionals for detailed deliberations on information warfare, national security and the evolving security environment in the Northeast.
Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Director General Military Operations (DGMO), attended the programme as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. His participation underlined the operational significance of emerging information challenges and the need for security institutions to remain prepared for threats extending beyond the conventional battlefield.
Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance against malicious narratives circulating through social media platforms. He stressed the need for greater awareness and appropriate responses to attempts aimed at influencing public perception and undermining confidence in security forces.
Veteran journalist and author Subir Bhaumik delivered the memorial lecture, offering insights into the information environment in the Northeast and the challenges associated with misinformation, competing narratives and the rapid dissemination of content through digital platforms.
Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, NM, PhD (Retd), Director General USI, delivered the welcome address, setting the context for the discussions and emphasising the importance of informed strategic dialogue on emerging dimensions of national security.
Maj Gen I S Bhinder, Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), delivered the vote of thanks.
The lecture commemorated the enduring legacy of Maj Bob Khathing, whose contribution to the nation remains closely associated with the Northeast and its integration into India's national mainstream.
The deliberations highlighted how social media has emerged as an important arena of influence, capable of rapidly shaping public opinion and amplifying both authentic information and misleading narratives. The discussions stressed the importance of strengthening institutional communication, media literacy, timely fact-checking and coordinated responses to misinformation.
Participants also discussed possible lines of effort to counter malicious narratives while maintaining credibility, transparency and public trust. The emphasis was on a comprehensive approach involving security agencies, civil institutions, media professionals, academia and local communities.
The event reaffirmed the importance of understanding information warfare as an evolving component of national security. It also highlighted the need for security forces to adapt to emerging communication technologies while remaining responsive to the concerns and aspirations of communities in the Northeast.
Through the annual memorial lecture, the Assam Rifles and USI provided a platform for wider strategic reflection on the changing nature of conflict and the importance of safeguarding public trust in an increasingly digital information environment.