Chief Ministers of Northeastern states today voiced concern over social media playing key role in inciting tension in society and sought Centre's help in tackling communal violence.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said to promote communal harmony and brotherhood, social, economic and political justice have to be delivered and everyone, irrespective of community, caste, creed and languages, have to be together.
"The development of electronic media and information and networking technology has turned out to be a double edged sword.
"Mischievous elements and vested interests can spread rumours and hate speeches within a very short span of time through social media networking sites and mobiles to spread misinformation, hatred and anxieties among the people," he said.
Gogoi said there was a need to curb the vested interest of trouble mongers by more effectively regulating the use of social networking technology, radio, TV and other such means of communication.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said in times of communal strife, the advent of new mode of communication like Internet have complicated the problems as the divisive forces have been able to use the network for spreading ill-will and hatred through social networking sites.
"However, taking a holistic view, a huge awareness campaign for enlightening the people would, to a large extent, check this problem," he said.
The Tripura Chief Minister said the prevalence of communal disharmony, ethnic violence and Left-Wing extremism should not be seen merely as law and order problem alone.
"The widening gap between the rich and the poor and denial of basic amenities like food, shelter, education and employment opportunities are likely to cause social tensions and increases the sense of deprivation and alienation among these sections of people," he said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said there are serious risks and threats involved in social networking sites being misused by unscrupulous elements if this domain is left completely unregulated.
"There have been instances when this medium was used by mischievous groups and elements to spread rumours, hatred, defamatory content, fear, emotional abuse and cause social and communal tensions," he said.
