Video of Rakkam Sangma’s alleged communal speech involving VPP during LS poll campaign goes viral
SHILLONG, June 16: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has decided to file an FIR against Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma for allegedly inciting communal disharmony between the Khasis and the Garos.
A video of the Education minister is going viral on social media where he is allegedly inciting a huge gathering in Garo Hills against the VPP during the Lok Sabha election campaign stating that if the VPP comes to power in the state they will wipe out the A’chiks (Garo people).
The Shillong Times could not independently verify the authenticity of the video or the statements therein.
The VPP maintained that if the contents of the viral video are true, Sangma should not only step down from the post but face prosecution as per the law.
“The allegation against Rakkam cannot be verified by us. But if he has actually given the statement then it is very unfortunate that a person of the rank of a cabinet minister is involved in inciting communal disharmony and sowing seeds of hatred among the people. It is not only unfortunate but also criminal,” VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh said on Sunday, while adding that he has seen the video.
Stating that he cannot verify the authenticity of the video, Myrboh said, “We have decided to file an FIR and allow the law enforcement agency to investigate the matter independently without fear or favour.”
Myrboh said if it is proved that he made the statement then Sangma should step down owing moral responsibility for sowing the seeds of communal disharmony in the state.
Reminding that umpteen attempts have been made to paint the VPP as a communal party, he questioned if any of the political parties have come across any statement made by the VPP leaders, whether in written or video form, wherein the VPP leaders have made communal remarks or threatened members of the non-Khasi communities.
“People who accuse the VPP of being communal are themselves communal and because of that they are coming up with such unfounded allegations against the VPP,” he stated.
He asserted that the VPP stands for the special rights of all the indigenous peoples but at the same time, the party respects the rights of other citizens of India and Meghalaya.
Recalling the killing of a non-tribal labourer in Mawlai Mawroh, Myrboh said, “VPP was the only party to issue a statement before the elections calling for the maintenance of peace and communal harmony in the state while demanding the state government to execute its role without bias and partiality.”