Remark on Christians
Our Bureau
SHILLONG, Feb 25: Under pressure following severe backlash in the state, BJP leader and senior RSS functionary Sunil Deodhar has expressed regret over any unintended hurt caused by his February 16 remarks at the Indigenous Faith Conference in Pynter village, Pynursla Sub-Division, East Khasi Hills.
In a letter to BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna, Deodhar clarified that he holds “immense respect for Lord Jesus Christ” and deep affection for the Christian community. He stated it was never his intention to hurt the sentiments of any Christian brother or sister.
Deodhar emphasised that his comments were made strictly within the specific context of the conference and were not intended as a general criticism of Christianity or any other religion.
“I sincerely regret if any of my words have been perceived as disrespectful or have caused pain,” he stated, reiterating his commitment to communal harmony and inclusivity.
He noted that his organisation regularly organises Advent Christmas celebrations for Christian youth living away from their families, citing a programme held at the residence of Bharat Ratna Lal Krishna Advani during his tenure as National Convener of the BJP’s North East India Sampark Cell.
At the same time, Deodhar asserted equal concern for followers of indigenous faiths such as Niam Khasi and Niam Tre among the Khasi and Jaintia tribes. He argued that highlighting perceived neglect or developmental disparities faced by indigenous faith communities should not be seen as hostility toward another religion.
NPP condemns remarks
The National People’s Party (NPP) strongly condemned Deodhar’s speech as divisive and inflammatory. NPP spokesperson HM Shangpliang described the allegations against the Meghalaya government as “factually incorrect” and intended to “incite hatred and division.”
Shangpliang urged citizens to reject such rhetoric and promote harmony, adding that the party remains committed to social cohesion. He highlighted Meghalaya’s tradition of tolerance and warned that such statements threaten the state’s peace. The NPP demanded an apology and accountability for the “inciteful, offensive, and baseless remarks.”
HYC burns effigy, demands apology
Members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) protested outside the State BJP office on Bivar Road, burning an effigy of Deodhar and demanding a public apology for his remarks against the Christian community.
HYC general secretary Rhembor G. Saibon said the statements could mislead people, instil fear, and threaten societal harmony. He stressed that outsiders should not interfere in indigenous affairs and urged mutual respect. The HYC criticised the use of late Khasi leader Rijoy Sing Khongshah’s name as inappropriate and misleading.
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem called the remarks “political poison” aimed at dividing peaceful coexistence, describing the portrayal of indigenous faith followers as victims as a “gross distortion.” The council demanded withdrawal of the statement and an unconditional public apology, urging RSS and BJP leadership to restrain inflammatory comments.
NCP files FIR
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Meghalaya Unit lodged an FIR against Deodhar at Sadar Police Station. NCP youth president Dapkupar Nongrum alleged that during his speech in Pynter, Deodhar targeted Christians by claiming churches imposed conditions like mandatory attendance, conversion, and passing Bible subjects for school enrollment and success. The FIR accused him of asserting that indigenous faith followers are deprived of amenities—healthcare, roads, education, electricity—unless they convert. Describing the remarks as vague, baseless, and inflammatory, the NCP alleged they aimed to provoke communal discord and disturb religious harmony, urging action under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
