Manipur CM warns social media page handlers against posts violating law, personal space

Imphal, Jan 23 (PTI) Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday warned social media page handlers who upload posts that violate law and personal space of others.

Singh also said that a large number of new organisations have come up since the ethnic crisis began in the northeastern state in May 2023 and several of them indulged in anti-social activities – extorting, detaining and assaulting people.

“We are seeing signs of calmness (in the state now) and I seek the support of the media for restoring normalcy,” the chief minister told reporters.

Some posts have recently been uploaded on social media, which were communally charged and interfered with the personal lives of others, Singh said.

“Interrogation of certain women (by unauthorized people) on personal matters was uploaded on social media. These incidents are extremely awkward, disturbing and uncivilized,” he said.

Singh said he has informed the police and intelligence agencies on this and soon a formal notice will be published to summon all social media page holders and admins of groups who engage in such practices.

He asked, “Who has authorised these groups to interfere in the private lives of individuals?”

Singh said that the government does not want to destroy the careers of youths.

“Those involved in looting residences of elected representatives or torching them have been arrested. Some of them are now in prison while some of them may be charged under NSA (National Security Act). Their lives will be difficult, as their records will be with the police and those with FIRs won’t be able to enter government services,” he said.

Singh said that the state government has maintained restraint as people have suffered due to the violence, but now the situation has reached an intolerable level.

The CM said, “So many organisations have emerged. Setting up organisations is alright as democracy allows that. But who has authorised these groups to apprehend and assault people?”

Anything that can affect the society should be immediately stopped, he said adding that special police teams will be set up, he said.

“Office employees have been summoned (by them) for extortion. Who has authorised them? They are threatening the officials of abduction if their demands are not met. This should be stopped,” the chief minister said.

Singh appealed to the people not to support those who have taken laws into their own hands.

Manipur has been in the grip of violence between Meitei and Kuki commu