Party claims account was hacked as political rivals up the ante, demand accountability
SHILLONG, July 22: Even as public anger continues to swell over the alleged social media remarks of BJP Meghalaya Yuva Morcha president Mewaker Lyngdoh Pakma calling for protesters in New Delhi to be shot, the saffron party has gone all out to virtually defend its youth wing chief.
The controversy erupted after a post reportedly shared from Pakma’s official Facebook and Instagram handles carried the words “Shoot them! Tear gas are not enough!” along with the hashtag #UAPA_Sedition, in apparent reference to student protesters at Jantar Mantar. The remarks triggered widespread condemnation across the state.
Instead of distancing itself firmly, the BJP has chosen to stand by its leader. Party spokesperson Arnab Das claimed the youth wing president’s account was hacked and misused, adding that the “hackers were kind enough” to delete the post once it drew public criticism. Das said the party does not endorse any of the statements circulating on social media and that Pakma has “categorically denied” making them.
“We have sought clarification from our Yuva Morcha President and he has categorically denied making any such statements,” Das said, while cautioning that any claim based on social media “will need to be verified” as accounts have been hacked in the past.
The defence has done little to calm the storm. Political opponents and civil society groups have accused the BJP of shielding its youth wing president rather than holding him accountable.
State Working President of the National People’s Youth Front (NPYF), Bajop Pyngrope, strongly denounced the remarks, calling them “uncalled for in a democracy.” He said the statement had not only dented the image of the BJP but also of Meghalaya.
The Education Cell of the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) was equally scathing. In a press release, it described the alleged post as a “dangerous incitement to violence” and a direct assault on constitutional principles.
The organisation said advocating bullets over dialogue reflected authoritarianism and warned that no political leader has the moral or constitutional authority to encourage violence against citizens exercising their fundamental rights under Article 19.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) Youth Wing and the HSPDP Youth Wing also joined the chorus of condemnation. Both outfits demanded that the BJP clarify whether the views expressed were personal or reflected the party’s official stand. The VPP Youth Wing called the remarks an endorsement of violence against unarmed protesters and rejected what it termed the “politics of police brutality, bullets and bloodshed.” The HSPDP Youth Wing said such statements posed a serious threat to the constitutional fabric of the country and urged leaders to promote peace rather than conflict.
Adding to the pressure, the UDP State Youth Wing on Wednesday strongly condemned the remarks, describing them as irresponsible and unbecoming of a public leader.
Chief organiser Augester Jyrwa said the organisation was deeply disturbed by the post. “Public representatives must exercise restraint and responsibility in both their words and actions. Statements that appear to advocate or justify violence against citizens exercising their democratic rights are unacceptable and contrary to the values of responsible leadership and the rule of law,” he said.
Jyrwa called upon Pakma to immediately withdraw the statement and issue an unconditional public apology. He also urged political leaders and authorities to uphold the dignity of public office and ensure that democratic rights are protected through peace and constructive dialogue.
At the same time, he condemned the alleged brutal attack by police on a student during the protest, asserting that the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression are fundamental pillars of democracy.
While defending its leader, the BJP also sought to shift focus. It claimed it respects the fundamental rights of students protesting at Jantar Mantar but accused other parties of trying to “hijack” the agitation for political gains. The party condemned violence against police personnel and criticised the Congress for allegedly attempting to enter the Prime Minister’s official residence. It further pointed to the central government’s action on the NEET paper leak, stating that 13 arrests have been made and sweeping reforms are underway.
Yet the core issue remains unresolved. By insisting the account was hacked while simultaneously protecting its youth wing president from stronger internal action, the BJP has left itself open to the charge that it is virtually defending the indefensible — even as the backlash from political opponents and student bodies shows no sign of abating.
