In the wake of mass protest against the passing of three ILPS Bills the state Cabinet had shut down mobile internet and SMS services for almost a week from September 1, 2015 in order to censor unwanted posts and comments that might flare communal tension in the state.
After the government lifted ban on internet, Imphal Times conducted a survey to check the content of social networking sites.
During the survey it has been found that some of the Facebook accounts are doing round in the wave reportedly provoking communal tension. Facebook page like The Logical Kuki and Manipur Beranee are openly debating on the prevailing law and order situation in the state.
Showing a photo of Inner Line Permit System movement, Facebook page- The Logical Kuki wrote on its timeline on September 13 with the following words.
“Manipur Police arrested some Manipuri youth bunker students at CC Higher Secondary Gate. The students are ILP supporter which ILP means I Love Problems,” reads the post.
“If you help a Meitei in need, they will back stabbed you and steal your money, food and even your under garment,” said another post on its timeline.
While another seemingly pro-Meitei Facebook page named as Manipur Beranee, posted, that “there is no written record or documents which proves the given statement (Hills were never part of Manipur). If so, show us. As I have said, “from that tree to that tree is my land” is not valid out here. Both hills and the valley makes Manipur.”
The contents of these Facebook pages have the potency to provoke communal tension among the people of Manipur. The state government and concern authority need to monitor the web sphere to prevent spreading of unwanted communal messages to a larger audience. The cyber crime branch of the state police need to take immediate measures to ensure blocking of social media accounts that are reportedly wedging enmity among the people.
Even as the various kind of hate speech has been spreading through social media and even as it has been known that it a crime, the state government still does not have any effective cyber crime unit to control the situation. When Imphal Times contacted the police Head quarter they cannot give any officer concern for the unit.
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