Goa warns against spread of MMS showing violence

Panaji, Aug 18 (IANS) A day after the Goa government reassured people from the northeast of their security, the state police Saturday warned against the spread of an MMS, which shows graphic violence targeting a particular community.

"The spread of such video may hurt religious sentiments of a certain section of the society and may lead to disturbances in otherwise peaceful state," a statement issued by the Goa Police says.

The central government Friday banned bulk SMSes and MMSes for 15 days in view of the exodus of people from the northeast from major cities across the country following rumours that they would be attacked.

It also cautions people "not to fall prey to the video clippings and maintain calm and peace".

"The spread of the video is mischievous and may cause communal disharmony," police said.

In a bid to make the northeast people in Goa feel secure and at home, the state government Friday issued a formal statement pledging itself to their security.

"In view of the recent reports indicating apprehension in the minds of the people from the northeastern parts of the country, regarding their safety and security in certain parts of the country... The government of Goa assures the people from northeast that their safety and security is of prime concern and that there is no cause to worry," the statement said.

The statement follows rumours of impending attacks on people from the northeast in other parts of the country, following violent clashes in Assam, earlier this month.