Kohima: Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma has urged citizens to practice responsible speech to maintain peace and public order. While acknowledging that freedom of expression is a fundamental constitutional right, Sharma noted that the law allows for reasonable restrictions to protect national sovereignty, security, and communal harmony.
The police chief highlighted the risks of unregulated communication in India, particularly within the Northeast. Given the region's complex tribal and ethnic landscape, he warned that misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric could quickly trigger real-world violence and lasting hostility. He added that while the digital age facilitates rapid information sharing, it also demands greater caution from users to avoid spreading hate speech.
Sharma emphasized that constitutional protections are not absolute. Referencing Supreme Court guidance, he explained that limitations on speech must have a direct connection to potential public disorder rather than relying on speculation. He encouraged a collaborative approach among the government, media, and the public to foster a healthy environment for dialogue.
Ultimately, the DGP framed self-restraint and fact-checking as vital components of a stable society. He concluded that, "Liberty tempered by law is not compromise—it is the essence of constitutionalism and peaceful coexistence."
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