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 delivered earlier this month.
The case relates to a public meeting held on March 11 at Motphran, organised by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), where several groups gathered to express solidarity with the Garo community amid protests against non-tribal participation in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
According to police, portions of Synrem’s speech that circulated widely on social media allegedly contained statements that could disturb communal harmony and affect peace in the state. The FIR, lodged by Sub-Inspector M Khardewsaw, specifically referred to remarks in which Synrem said that “if Garo brothers need us, we are ready to fight alongside with them,” along with references to carrying weapons, which authorities viewed as potentially provocative.
Responding to the allegations, Synrem clarified that his statement had been taken out of context. He maintained that his intention was to express solidarity with the Garo people and not to incite violence.
“I did mention carrying weapons, but it was in the context of standing with our Garo brothers, not to provoke unrest,” he told reporters.
He also raised concerns over selective editing and circulation of his speech on social media, stating that only certain portions were highlighted, which may have led to misunderstanding.
The police have registered the case under Section 196(1) of the IPC, which pertains to acts that may promote communal disharmony.
Emphasising the need for fairness, Synrem urged authorities to uphold Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. He called on law enforcement agencies to take similar action against individuals who make derogatory remarks against indigenous communities.
“Law is equal for all, and not pick and choose when it comes to us. If we file FIRs against others, action must also be taken accordingly,” he said.
The development has drawn attention across the state, with discussions continuing over freedom of expression, communal sensitivity, and equal enforcement of the law.