NEW DELHI, Aug 17 � Hours after MPs alleged that the mass exodus of persons belonging to North-east was triggered by circulation of SMS and social media, the Home Ministry banned bulk SMSes for a fortnight.
The decision to place a ban on bulk SMSes was taken at a review meeting of the Home Ministry and conveyed to the Ministry of Telecom for implementation. The decision came after a hue and cry in the Parliament. In the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh expressed concern over rumours.
Members cutting across political lines today expressed concern over the exodus of students and others hailing from North-east after Question Hour in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was suspended for the discussion. The Upper House adopted a unanimous resolution, while the Prime Minister made brief interventions in both the Houses. At the end of the discussions in Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde said that he has directed the Director of Intelligence Bureau to launch a probe to trace the source of the SMSes and take action against the culprits.
�It is the solemn obligation of all of us, regardless of the party that we may belong to, to work together to create an atmosphere, when this rumour mongering will come to an end, that the people of the North-Eastern States feel genuinely that any part of our country welcomes them. If there are any miscreants, if there are people who are fanning these rumours, I think they should be brought to book,� said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said what has been happening in the last few days in some parts of our country, the growing sense of insecurity among people from the North-East living in different parts of our country; that this is something, which is more reprehensible; that all of us should work together to get this sort of situation brought under control without any further loss of time.
�I would like to say that whatever may have happened in Kokrajhar and other areas should not be used as an occasion to fan rumours to create an environment in other parts of our country that the people from the North-East feel insecure.
�I have been in touch with the Chief Ministers of various States and I assure you, we will do our utmost to ensure that our friends, our children and our citizens from the North-East feel secure in any part and every part of our country�, Dr Singh said.
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha expressing its serious concern at the exodus of people of the North-Eastern States. All sections of this House and all political parties are of the firm opinion that as citizens of this country, the people of North-east have a right to live in any part of India.�
Meanwhile replying to the discussion Shinde said that a countrywide alert has been issued and States were directed to strengthen vigil in areas where people of North- Eastern region live. The Karnataka Government has installed two help-lines and appointed a nodal officer in keeping with the direction of the Centre.
People from Northeastern States rush to board a special train at Bangalore city railway station on Thursday night. � UNI
