Shillong: The Meghalaya Youth Congress on Tuesday demanded action against BJP Yuva Morcha state president Mewaker Lyngdoh Pakma over a controversial social media post in which he allegedly called for protesters in New Delhi to be shot, describing the remark as irresponsible and unbecoming of a political leader.
Addressing a press conference, Youth Congress vice president Jonathan Syiem said the statement was particularly disturbing as it came from a practising lawyer who also heads the youth wing of a national political party.
“As a youth from Meghalaya, it is a disgrace to see such a mindset. The BJP should initiate action against him. We want him to step down and be held accountable for making such a statement,” Syiem said.
Joining the criticism, Congress Seva Dal chief organiser Banphira Basaiawmoit said the remark was unacceptable not only to the Congress but to every citizen.
“The statement reflects the attitude of the BJP towards young people and democratic protests. We have witnessed the violence in Delhi, where the police and government machinery were allegedly used against protesters. Such comments only reinforce that mindset,” he said.
Basaiawmoit said the Congress has been actively supporting students protesting over alleged examination paper leaks and maintained that the issue extends beyond party politics.
“This is not just about the Congress. It is about our society, our future and the welfare of students. Paper leaks are not a joke. Students and their families invest years of hard work, money and hope in preparing for examinations. When question papers are leaked, it destroys their trust in the system,” he said.
He further expressed concern over what he described as a lack of public participation in protests in Shillong, urging greater awareness of issues affecting students across the country.
“If the system continues to fail, it will affect everyone. It will impact the quality of future doctors, engineers and professionals. We cannot remain silent when students lose faith in the examination process,” Basaiawmoit added.
The Congress leader also announced that a four-member delegation from the Meghalaya Congress, Youth Congress and Seva Dal will travel to New Delhi on Wednesday to meet senior party leaders, interact with protesters and students who were allegedly injured during recent demonstrations, and brief the party on the controversy surrounding the Meghalaya BJP youth chief’s remarks.
He said the visit was intended to express solidarity with students and highlight that the youth of Meghalaya are concerned about issues affecting students across the country.
Meanwhile, social activist Angela Rangad also condemned the alleged remarks, calling for suo motu legal action against the BJP youth leader.
In a statement, Rangad alleged that the comment was a deliberate attempt to incite violence and accused the BJP of fostering a culture in which hate speech and intimidation have become normalised.
She further alleged that such rhetoric undermines constitutional values and reflects a broader pattern of intolerance within the party.
The BJP has not yet issued an official response to the allegations or the demands made by the Youth Congress and Rangad.