Bihar: To curb rumours, Madhepura DM orders inclusion of govt number in all WhatsApp groups

In the wake of communal tensions in Bihariganj town in Madehepura district of Bihar, the District Magistrate Mohammed Sohail has ordered the inclusion of district administration's phone number in every Whatsapp group. The group admin will face strict action of he refuses to comply.

The DM asserted that every Whatsapp group must add district administration's special number- 9955948775.

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In fact, the order further directed all Facebook groups operating from the district to send a friend request to 'Madhepura monitor'.

The District Magistrate held 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.

He believes that strict vigilance of groups on social media platforms may help curb spread of rumours in the area.

Incidents of communal clashes were reported last week from Gopalganj, Bhojpur, Madhepura and east Chamaparan districts of Bihar during the immersion of Durga idols and Tazia processions, following which Internet services were suspended in several Bihar districts.

A committee has also been formed to look into all the social media groups in Madhepura. It is, however, not known how the district officials will manage lakhs of whatsapp accounts and Facebook groups.

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