Rumours got the better of public yet again in the two capitals of the state.
Kohima the state capital and Dimapur the commercial head.This time it concerned the shortage of ‘salt’ a most necessary ingredient in our food.without which health complications can set in. The rumour spread like wildfire creating a panic shooting up its rate dramatically from Rs 10 to Ra 40/- in Dimapur according to reports and as much as Rs 300/- in Kohima for a kilogram of salt.
The news had the over worked administration beleaguered with a host of other issues of law and order, to direct their energy into addressing another emerging crisis.
There are several stark lessons to be learnt from Thursday’s episode.
First the administration must trace the origin of this most recent rumour and once this is established they must make the persons accountable for their action, according to the law.
Secondly in the absence of a centralized system of dissemination of information eg a radio or television channel the administration will have to find an effective communication system to counter such rumours. The memory of the artificial shortage of fuel is still fresh, sparked by rumours that the Assam bandh in Karbi Anglong would affect the normal supply of fuel to the state.
The administration may have to explore the use of using the shot message service (sms) , the text messaging component on mobile phones as well as create a social media page for citizen’s to get an update and the official version in situations that can adversely affect public order. The public too likewise should refrain form indulging in rumour mongering. Rumours are precisely just that ‘runours’ not fact. The best way to check oneself in this way is not to spread the news as a first person report in fluid situations especially when they are unconfirmed facts.
Remember the unfortunate incident last year involving the death of a youth who stole a bike in Kohima village ? The incident set off a near tribal feud between two communities.
The air was futher vitiated by rumours which were flying thick and fast and most of the population was in the dark about the fast changing developments
In other words its best not to stir the pot when it is overflowing, instead stay calm and try to find the truth.
