Apropos of the news story “Kailali DAO keeps vigil on social networking sites” (THT, Aug. 30, Page 3), most of the people depend on social networking sites including Facebook and twitter along with online news media to be updated with the recent news due to availability of internet. At the same time there are high chances that a large part of population will be fed with misleading information and biased opinions. The article 47 of the Electronic Transaction Act, 2008 prohibits publication of illegal or any types of materials that destroys public morality or decent behavior and ultimately spreads hate or jealousy against anyone.

Furthermore it clarifies that one who jeopardizes the harmonious relation among any caste, tribes and community is liable to Rs 100,000 fine or five years’ sentence or both.

However, due to weak vigil on faulty tweets, Facebook status and online news relating to any incidents, the social networking sites are proven to be the great dangers in the recent times. Fake profiles, hasty judgments, biased opinions, dependence on unreliable sources for news are jeopardizing the harmonious relations and conceptions among the protestors, other citizens and government in the country. This also spoils the environment of talks between the government and the agitators. The decision of Kailali District Administration Office (DAO) to curb the publication of such anti-social and anti-national materials, and punish the offenders involved in such acts relating to the Tikapur incident is really welcome. In order to bring the critical situation under control, the concerned authorities should keep the vigil on faulty postings and updates, which spoil social harmony and spread hatred, on the social networking sites.

Som Nath Ghimire, Kawasoti

Violations

The continuous shutdown called by various political parties in most of the Tarai districts opposing four major political parties’ decision while drafting the new constitution has hit hard the normal life of the people. The regular curfew imposed by the local administrations has also crippled the mobility of people and the goods. However, it was encouraging to read the news report “No compromises on human rights: NHRC Chair Sharma” (THT, Sept.1, Page 2). How prompt and effective role will NHRC play in these politically troubled districts is yet to be seen. So far, the role played by NHRC has remained not satisfactory in relation to properly monitoring and minimizing the human rights violation cases in the past. In fact, it is the responsibility of the concerned organizations to punish the violators upon the NHRC’s recommendation.

The state should let the people assemble peacefully, raise their genuine concerns peacefully. However, this has not happened in the politically troubled districts where the local administrations have deployed security forces. The protesters are also equally responsible for what has gone wrong in the Tarai districts.

Rai Biren Bangdel, Maharajgunj