Shillong, March 26: Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) President Roy Kupar Synrem has appeared at the Lumdiengjri police station in connection with a suo motu FIR on alleged communal speech at Motphran .
A case was registered against Synrem for his speech at the meeting on March 11, organised by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO).
The meeting was to express solidarity with the Garo people during their protest against non-tribal participation in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
Synrem’s speech was allegedly made viral on social media, and according to the police , it contained statements that could instigate communal disharmony and affect peace and tranquillity in the state.
The FIR, lodged by SI M Khardewsaw, alleged that Synrem’s statement, “if Garo brothers need us, we are ready to fight alongside with them,” and his mention of carrying weapons, could be seen as provocative.
Speaking to media persons, Synrem clarified that his statement was taken out of context and that he had only expressed solidarity with the Garo people.
“I did mention that we will carry weapons, but it was in the context of fighting alongside our Garo brothers, not instigating violence,” he said.
Synrem pointed out the selective use of his speech on social media.
“Who has spread selected portions of my speech in social media, I don’t know. But I admitted that I made such a statement, and it was in the context of defending our indigenous rights.”
The case registered is under Section 196(1) of the IPC, which relates to instigating communal disharmony.
Synrem wanted the police to implement Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, and to take action against those who have made derogatory statements against indigenous communities.
“Law is equal for all, and not pick and choose when it comes to us,” he said. “If we file an FIR against others, the police department should also take action against them as per the law”, he added.
