SHILLONG, JUNE 18: Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Tuesday filed a first information report (FIR) against the cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma for allegedly delivering a hate speech during the Lok Sabha election campaign.
In the FIR submitted to SP East Khasi Hills, VPP finance secretary Danny Langstieh 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 that 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.
Referring to the Supreme Court of India’s ruling with regards to hate speech, Langstieh said, “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.
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