By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 25: The Meghalaya government on Friday condemned recent social media remarks made by a city resident in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack, calling them “purely anti-national” and a serious threat to the safety and security of both the state and the country.
“The police have taken swift action because we are deeply concerned. The statement made by that individual is purely anti-national. It not only affects Meghalaya but the entire country, and could encourage illegal activities that pose serious security threats to citizens,” said Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong.
Emphasising the gravity of the situation, he added, “That is why we have taken the matter very seriously and acted promptly.” “My appeal to all citizens of the state and the country is this: let us stand united. We will not tolerate or allow any anti-national activity to take place anywhere in the country,” Tynsong said.
The comments, which surfaced on social media, led to the arrest of a city resident on Thursday.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that one Simon Shylla (30), a resident of Umlyngka, had posted inflammatory remarks on Facebook using the account “Man Shylla.” His comments were made in response to a video shared by an Assam-based news channel regarding the Pahalgam terror attack.
According to the SP, Shylla expressed support for the terrorists and incited them to carry out similar attacks against a specific community in the Northeast — remarks that posed a direct threat to the unity and integrity of the nation.
Following his identification, police arrested Shylla from his Umlyngka residence and seized two mobile phones from his possession.
Accused sent to 14-day judicial custody
The local court on Friday remanded a 30-year-old man, Simon Shylla, to 14 days of judicial custody for allegedly praising the Pahalgam terror attack on social media.
Shylla was produced before a local court by the police which ordered his remand.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem, stated that Shylla was arrested from his residence in Umlyngka after he posted anti-national remarks in response to a video.
Shylla allegedly made several “pro-terrorist” comments in a Facebook post that threatened the unity and integrity of the nation. He reportedly urged terrorists to carry out similar attacks targeting a specific community in the Northeast region through his Facebook account, identified as “Man Shylla.”
Authorities seized two mobile phones from his possession, and a case has been registered at Lumdiengjri Police Station.
Pak natls told to leave India
In line with the directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Superintendents of Police of East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi, in separate statements, have issued strict orders requiring Pakistani nationals to leave Indian territory within specified deadlines.
The two district police chiefs have directed that all Pakistani nationals — except those holding Long Term Visas, Diplomatic, or Official Visas — must exit the country on or before April 27, 2025. Those on SAARC Visas have been ordered to leave by April 26, while Pakistani nationals on Medical Visas must depart by April 29.
Failure to comply will invite stringent legal action, including the registration of criminal cases under relevant laws.
Both district police departments have appealed to the public to report any information regarding the presence of Pakistani nationals. Citizens can contact the Police Control Room at +91 6009196479, dial 112, or inform the nearest Police Station, Outpost, or Beat House.