Centre alert mobile phone operators in NE

Aizawl, Feb 18 (UNI) The Union Home Ministry has asked the North Eastern states to keep a close vigil on the mobile phone users and warned the service providers to be vigilant about screening applicants while providing connections.

The Centre has made it clear that the operators must undertake a thorough screening of the applicants before giving connections in the region due to security concerns, State Home department officials said.

''In many incidents of abduction and extortion in the region, the criminals had used mobile phones for contacting the victims and their relatives. This has come to the notice of the Intellegence officials and prompted the ministry to take the matter seriously,'' officials said.

Police had been instructed to collect records of SIM cards and maintain close watch on the users.

Apart from the criminal activities, mobiles are often used by the miscreants for eve-teasing in most of the NE states, officials added.

Besides Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Reliance, Airtel and Aircel are also operating in the North East.

UNI