I had Only Expressed Solidarity With Garo People, Not Instigating Violence: HYC President Roykupar Synrem

SHILLONG: Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) president Roykupar Synrem on Thursday appeared before the Lumdiengjri police station for questioning in connection with a suo motu FIR registered against him over a speech he made at a meeting on March 11.

The meeting, organized by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations, was held at Motphran to express solidarity with the Garo people during their protest against non-tribal participation in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections.

Synrem’s speech, which was allegedly made viral on social media, contained statements that the police alleged could instigate communal disharmony and affect peace and tranquillity in the state.

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The FIR, lodged by SI M Khardewsaw, alleged that Synrem’s statement, “If Garo brothers need us, we are ready to fight alongside them”.

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 expressed concern over the selective use of his speech on social media, saying, “Who has spread selected portions of my speech on social media, I do not know. But I admitted that I made such a statement, and it was in the context of defending our indigenous rights.”

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The police have registered a case under Section 196(1) of the IPC, which relates to instigating communal disharmony.

Synrem urged 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.