Regulate social media to control terrorism: Minorities Panel

The Minorities Commission for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Saturday demanded that the Central and State Government regulate social media and propaganda which tends to encourage terrorism or hatred.

Addressing a seminar on “ISIS – Interpreting Reality” organised by the Commission at Ravindra Bharathi here, Commission chairman Abid Rasool Khan said that the authorities must keep a strict vigil on potentially dangerous online content. He said that the ISIS terrorists were trying to brainwash innocent Muslim youth using provocative content. Stating that ISIS members were terrorists and they had nothing to do with Islam, he advised Muslim youth to be cautious against such elements. He said in some cases some Muslim youth landed in trouble only for writing some objectionable comments on such online content.

The seminar was also addressed by Minorities Welfare Department Secretary Syed Omer Jaleel, APPSC Member Mohammed Ali Rafath, Senior Advocate Shafiq Mahajir, Prof. Aslam Rayees (Kolkata), Retired Judge E. Ismail, AIMPLB of Moulana Khaled Saifullah Rahmani, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind TS President Hamed Mohammed Khan and other eminent personalities.

Resolutions were also passed condemning all violence and terrorism including especially but not restricted to ISIS. “It was unanimously resolved that the Central Government be requested to order the regulation of all forms of Social Media Websites carrying any form of terrorist propaganda and media which spreads intolerance and/or hatred. The speakers urged the Centre to control the reporting media from carrying irresponsible reports which tend to encourage and/or fan the fires of intolerance or terrorism and/or spread discord in society.

It has been decided to request the media to be responsible and not encourage reporting which incites and identifies hatred towards any religion or community or make sweeping genralisation.

Abid Rasool Khan informed that a resolution was also passed requesting the Central Government to put in place credible mechanisms to ensure that security agencies are impartial during their investigations and arrests are made after credible investigations are made and reasonable evidence found against accused being arrested. There should be expeditious trials obviating long periods of incarceration impacting detainees’ as well as family members’ lives and where improper conduct of officials is complained of, the same be expeditiously duly investigated and tainted officials be appropriately disciplined. (INN)