Centre Should Control Social Networking Sites, says Hooda

New Delhi: Voicing concern over the use of social networking sites for spread of propaganda and disturbing communal harmony, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today asked the Centre to take steps to control such sites.Citing a recent case where some persons tried to create communal tension in Gurgaon and Rewari districts on the issue of transportation of cows, he said the situation was brought under control by district authorities though immediate and decisive response and the matter is being enquired into by the Divisional Commissioner."It has often been seen that social networking sites such as Facebook, MMS, Twitter etc. Become a media in spreading propaganda through video clippings and messages of incidents with communal overtones - instigating hatred among various communities leading to flaring up of the communal situation."However, in the present legal framework, control of such social networking sites is required to be done by Central Government," he said speaking at the National Integration Council meeting.Noting that the conference was an apt occasion to remember patriotic leaders who laid the foundations of the country on firm principles of unity in diversity, freedom of religion and secularism, he regretted that some forces want to destabilize "present achievements and our future dreams through communalism and extremist violence"."Today, we need to send a clear message to everyone that the States and the Centre are unitedly committed to decisively defeat communalism in all its manifestations," he said.Seeking parity in the policing of the NCR region, Hooda urged Prime Minister to sanction a special package of Rs 500 crore for Haryana Police to enhance its capability and technical competence to bring it on par with Delhi Police.He stressed that the entire region would benefit from the same quality of confidence derived from better security. Hooda described the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi as a symbol of national unity and harmony and said its safety and security is intimately linked to that of NCR sub-region of Haryana which surrounds it from three sides."There is an urgent need to remove differences in quality and scale of policing between Delhi and the surrounding NCR region so that there is uniformity and perfect coordination in response," he said, adding population of NCT Delhi has increased by 21 per cent from 2001 to 2011, but that of Gurgaon has risen by nearly 300 per cent and that of Faridabad by 33 per cent."For the sake of the security of the National Capital, security of this region must also match the standards of Delhi," the Chief Minister said.He also talked about ensuring safety and security of women in the state, and listed out a number of measures taken by the government in this regard.He said Haryana has taken action for creation of 12 Women Police Stations and a number of Crime against Women Cells.Hooda said 21 additional posts of superior judicial services along with staff for setting up of 21 exclusive courts to fast track trials of cases of heinous crimes against women have been created/notified. The State has established one-stop crisis centres for Women (OSCC) in Gurgaon and Faridabad.The Chief Minister also listed a number of measures to tackle crime against members of SCs/STs."The aim of the government is to increase responsiveness of law and order machinery so that the members of SCs/STs feel secure and live with dignity and respect that is the right, every citizen of India deserves," he said, adding no dilution, which may help the perpetrators of crime against SCs/STs is being tolerated.The conference was attended by various Chief Ministers and Ministers, leaders of opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, leaders of various political parties, representatives of business, media and public, including women organisations.