Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has filed a first information report (FIR) against the cabinet minister of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government Rakkam A Sangma for allegedly delivering a “hate speech” during the Lok Sabha election campaign.
The FIR lodged by VPP finance secretary Danny Langstieh was submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP), East Khasi Hills District on Tuesday.
Langstieh has alleged that prior to the recently held Member of Parliament elections, 2024, a video clip went viral where it is seen and heard that the minister concerned in an election campaign/rally/meeting made statements that were a direct imputation against the VPP and allegation were made tht the said party will destroy, kill, oppress and annihilate other communities which is totally false, concocted and outright incorrect.
“That delivering such reckless, communal and hate spewed speech is not only wrong and illegal but also dangerous as it contributes to an atmosphere of causing communal disharmony and the likelihood of communal tension, riots and violence,” he stated in the FIR.
Referring to the Supreme Court of India’s ruling with regards to hate speech, Langstieh said, “…in its recent order in the case of Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay vrs Union of India & Ors it (Supreme Court) had even held that immediately as and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as sections 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC etc, suo motu action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law.”
“But however since no such action was made from your end the date the speech was made, I as a concerned citizen and a member of the VPP strongly urge you to take necessary action against the said minister forthwith and I would like to further mention that in the same case, the Supreme Court opined that any hesitation to act in accordance with this direction will be viewed as contempt of Court and appropriate action will be taken against the erring officers,” he added.
Further, the VPP leader said that it was very much evident that the speech made by the minister are incendiary and inciteful speeches made to promote, foster, incite, foment and instigate enmity, hatred and ill will between the different regional groups and communities within the State of Meghalaya which is outright prejudice to the maintenance of harmony between different groups and is likely to disturb the public tranquillity.
“Therefore, I would like to bring to your attention these instigating speeches, urging you to take stringent action, as if these hate-driven speeches are left unchecked, the peace and harmony of our state will be affected directly and that a case be registered, the matter be investigated into, and necessary action be taken forthwith and that the offender be punished in accordance with law as per sections 153A, 153B and 505 of the IPC and any other relevant sections of law,” he demanded.
Rakkam A Sangma, who is holding charge of Education department, Border Areas Development department and General Administration department, had on Monday categorically denied making any communal statement during his election campaigning in Garo Hills.
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