Shillong: Meghalaya BJP leaders are refusing to address a violent call to action from the party’s own youth wing president. Mewaker Lyngdoh Pakma took to social media to post “Shoot them! Tear gas ain’t enough!” while sharing video of a Cockroach Janta Party agitation at Jantar Mantar. The state party brass remains stone-faced.
Journalists pressed MLA A.L. Hek and spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang for comment. They got nothing. The party continues to focus its social media efforts on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s education initiatives instead. Hek dodged the violent rhetoric when questioned. He claimed the government cares for students regardless of their political ties.
Hek also refused to weigh in on the potential resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He deferred all decisions to the wisdom of the Union Government. The Meghalaya Congress is not staying quiet. Youth leaders demanded Pakma resign immediately. They called his rhetoric a stain on his professional standing as an advocate. A four-member Congress delegation heads to New Delhi on Wednesday to support the protesters.
West Garo Hills District Youth Congress President Rikrak M. Sangma slammed the post. He labeled the comments “deeply disturbing, irresponsible and fundamentally contrary to the spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution of India.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India also weighed in on the wider Delhi protests. They condemned the police lathi-charge and tear gas use against the students. The group called the crackdown a heartbreaking assault on democracy. They expressed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who currently sits in Safdarjung Hospital after his hunger strike. The bishops demanded the government move away from intimidation and open a dialogue with the students.
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