Monitor social media 24X7: Madhepura DM

Patna: Following communal tensions in Bihariganj town in Madehepura district, district magistrate Mohammed Sohail has ordered the inclusion of district administration' phone number (9955948775) in every WhatsApp group. The group admin will face strict action if he refuses to comply.
"Groups related to family and media have been kept at bay," he said adding a Facebook page--Madhepura Monitor--would keep an eye on the activities of the social groups operating for or from Madhepura.In fact, the order further directed all Facebook groups operating from the district to send a friend request to 'Madhepura Monitor'.
He said round-the-clock monitoring of social media platforms will be done, especially WhatsApp and Facebook, for the next one month till all major festivals come to an end.
The DM had held the social media responsible for igniting communal tension in the district during the immersion of Durga idols and Tazia processions. Consequently, he issued the orders for mandatory compliance in order to ensure law and order in the district.
Sohail said at present district information officer, one IT manager, a sub-inspector and a constable along with few others have been deployed to monitoring the social platforms. He said internet services were shut in Madhepura on October 13 and resumed on Tuesday night. "Only BSNL broadband was functional in banks and few other government establishments during this period," said the DM.