Situation in Cachar under control: DC

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Oct 3: “The situation in the district of Cachar is on the whole under control and normalcy is returning fast”, pointed out S Viswathan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner at his meet with the editors of the newspapers held in his conference hall today. During his interaction and review of the prevailing situation, following certain unfortute incidents centering round the alleged discovery of cow parts, defiling of a place of worship and the subsequent flinging away of a driver of a tripper from his seat, was also present A R Sheikh, Additiol Deputy Commissioner.

  The Deputy Commissioner said in fact rumour-mongers added more to pose a challenge to the law and order. He cited an example of how the news about a person, victim of police action following the death of the driver of the tripper circulated like wild fire. The tripper had crushed to death one person in the Moygarh area of Kalain. He appealed to the media representatives to cross-check any information received from their correspondents and ensure its authenticity.

  On the part of the administration, S Viswathan said adequate precautions were being taken to maintain commul harmony and monitor rumour-mongering. Besides, social media like Twitter, Face-book, Whatsapp, SMS among others are often misused. Photographs of some ugly incidents bordering on commul overtone are carried which lead to cause unnecessary excitement and provocation. The administration, he added to say, has adopted a cautiory approach to have surveillance over the social media. Anyone flouting the standing rules and norms will be brought to book and punished according to the law.

  The Deputy Commissioner laid stress on the role of media which can on its part contribute much towards the maintence of normalcy and to defuse any tense situation. He reminded the great festivals Durga puja and Muharram are near and expressed his confidence that the festive days would pass off peacefully. It has been observed that some persons with devious motive distort information on social media to foment trouble. This he said will be firmly dealt with.

  He praised the magement committee of a place of worship of this town which swiftly went into action and restored the idol thrown away by the miscreants in a nearby place. They did not allow any political or commul elements to take advantage of the situation. This should be the attitude of every citizen of responsibility. Quite amazing, though all the hell let loose over the discovery of cow-head in another place of worship at Meherpur, there was no trace of it.

  When asked if the behaviour and action of SP Rajbeer Singh, IPS, provoked the situation, he denied but added to say he should have exercised restraint. The media representatives gave slew of suggestions, advising the administration to coordite with intelligence wings, both state and Centre, to have basic inputs and act accordingly. There should be better rapport with police. Moreover, senior citizens should be taken into confidence. All the political parties have to be brought into focus for playing active role whenever any unfortute incident takes place and assumes commul colour.

  Besides, the district administration was also advised by the media to identify the commully sensitive pockets and areas and also the elements trying to provoke tension. Barak Valley in general is peaceful. But, there is possibility of agent-provocateurs from outside also who might infiltrate and fish in troubled water. Media on its part would also exercise restraint in publishing any information or news which might disturb commul harmony. Additiol Deputy Commissioner, A R Sheikh, had also a word to the media not to use provocative language. A peace rally was suggested involving all sections of people and communities in order to build up confidence and help in the maintence of peace and harmony.