Are Tears Real When National Anthem Plays? Is Video ‘Deepfake’?

#news #Kathmandu #Protests #Security #Deepfake

In Kathmandu, the recent protests by royalists in the Tinkune area on the 15th of Chait have raised concerns among the authorities. Following the events during the protests, which resulted in casualties and damages to several buildings, the police held a press conference on the 20th of Chait to provide details on the incidents and their efforts to maintain security.

Representative Ramesh Khatri from Kansai Nepal News expressed his views on the matter. He noted that while the security administration was successful in managing the potential risks during the protests, criticisms have been raised regarding their handling of sensitive information. The police faced backlash for using tear gas and allegedly creating a video that depicted tear gas being used during the playing of the national anthem.

The use of tear gas during the royalist event was captured in a viral video circulating on social media. The video shows tear gas being deployed as the national anthem plays on stage, causing chaos among the attendees. The authenticity of the video has been questioned, with concerns raised about the possibility of it being a deepfake, a manipulated video created using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

In response to the video, Central Police Spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Dinesh Kumar Acharya, claimed that the tear gas deployment was misrepresented in the video as a deepfake. However, the use of tear gas during the playing of the national anthem was confirmed by eyewitnesses and participants at the event.

During a press conference, Acharya emphasized that the tear gas deployment was a necessary measure to control the situation and ensure public safety. He further clarified that tear gas was used in response to escalating tensions and confrontations during the event.

Opinion from Ramesh Khatri:
Ramesh Khatri, representing Kansai Nepal News, stated that while the police’s actions were swift and necessary to maintain order during the protests, transparency and communication with the public should be improved to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations in the future. He acknowledged the challenges faced by security forces in handling such sensitive situations but emphasized the importance of accountability and clear communication.

In conclusion, the events in Tinkune have sparked debates about the use of force by security forces and the dissemination of information during public demonstrations. As the authorities continue to investigate the incidents, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize transparency and accountability to prevent further tensions and misunderstandings.


Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: April 4, 2025 12:01 am