Police maintain strict vigil on social media

A Reporter

SHILLONG, July 3: After clashes broke out in the capital city in recent weeks which also brought the disruption of law and order and subsequently curfew being imposed the State Police is continuously keeping a close watch on social media platforms for any offensive or inflammatory posts which could incite further tension to the already vulnerable situation in Shillong.

In this connection, 11 cases have been registered for offensive, inflammatory and derogatory remarks on the social media and two persons were arrested — Manbhalang Nongspung and Fuller Strong Kharsyiemlieh.

The Special Superintendent of Police (CID) R Muthu informed that a number of persons have been questioned and their mobile phones have been seized which gave evidence about the inciting materials which they had posted or forwarded and due legal action is being taken against them.

“The role of social media with respect to the disturbances in Shillong last month had drawn the attention of all the members of society. Cyber Crime Wing of Meghalaya has started legal action as per provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000/The Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 and Indian Penal Code in various cases,” he said.

Furthermore, the SP (CID) informed that new software instruments are being put to use by the Cyber Crime Wing to monitor the social media round the clock. “Help has been taken from various central government agencies and departments as well as from a renowned technological institute in Delhi to augment the capabilities of the Cyber Crime Wing,” said Muthu.

The social media platforms like Google, Facebook etc have also positively responded to the request of the Cuber Crime Wing to give information about the persons who have been putting inciting materials on social media and proper legal instruments are being used to obtain such information, he informed.

The Meghalaya police has appealed to all the citizens to cooperate with them to ensure that no unscrupulous elements can take advantage and create fake news and incite passions. s