Govt to look into websites stoking communal tension

Concerned over use of social networking sites for spreading communal disturbance,the Centre has proposed to discuss it in the National Integration Council (NIC) meet on September 23. This comes in the wake of communal violence in Muzzafarnagar. UP CM Akhilesh Singh also reportedly suggested that SMSs and fake clippings may have fuelled the violence.

The NIC meeting will be chaired by PM Manmohan Singh where chief ministers and Union Ministers will be invited to discuss social media. The use of social media to circulate provocative videos was witnessed in Muzaffarnagar and during last years communal tension in Assam where messages were circulated to incite fear among a community,said officials.

The Centre is likely to suggest confidence building measures among different communities and how they can be used by States to curb violence. The NIC agenda says safety and security of women will be priority for States and violence against SC and ST shall be strictly dealt with.

According to the Home Ministry,there is a rise in violence against SC/ST. On communal violence,the Ministry of Home Affairs said 94 persons lost their lives in 2012. NIC has nearly 150 members,including members of Rajya Sabha,Lok Sabha and womens organisations.