BENGALURU, 10 MAY 

State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday directed officials to crack down on illegal stockpiling and black marketing of essential commodities in the State.

Chairing a meeting with officials of various departments, he highlighted the need to combat fake news and keep a close watch on those inciting communal tensions.

“There should be continuous monitoring of illegal stockpiling and black market activities, and attempts to increase the price of goods unnecessarily should be prevented,” he said.

He also directed all Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Superintendents of Police (SP) to hold daily media briefings until the ongoing crisis is brought under control.

At the meeting, officials were directed to take strict action against attempts to disrupt communal harmony. The list of communal mongers should be updated and they should be kept under surveillance.

Siddaramaiah stressed the need to curb fake news in the State. “Be careful to avoid spreading fake news in the media and social media. Nothing is bigger than the law and order of the State. Give first priority to the protection of the people of the State.”

Regarding security related exercises, he said mock drills should be conducted at important places.

He also emphasised strengthening the intelligence network to ensure better security at public service delivery sites.

He said that, recruitment of volunteers for civil defence system should begin, registrations should be done online.

Siddaramaiah said fire brigade stations should be on a standby round-the-clock till normalcy returns. Further, help centres and helplines should be started in all districts.