SHILLONG, JUL 21: The Hynniewtrep Youth’ Council Education Cell has come out strongly against the President of the BJP Meghalaya Youth Wing over an alleged statement advocating violence against peaceful demonstrators in New Delhi.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the HYC Education Secretary Enlang Sawian said the reported remark calling for protesters to be “shot” was a direct threat to constitutional values.

“If the statement has been accurately reported, it is not merely irresponsible — it is a dangerous incitement to violence and a direct assault on the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution of India,” he said.

The organisation argued that encouraging the use of force against citizens exercising their right to protest goes against democratic norms.

“Calling for bullets instead of dialogue is the language of authoritarianism, not democracy. No political leader, regardless of position or ideology, has the moral or constitutional authority to advocate violence against citizens exercising their fundamental rights,” it stated.

The HYC Education Cell stressed that peaceful protest is protected under Article 19 of the Constitution and warned that any attempt to suppress dissent violently undermines the rule of law.

“Dissent is not a crime. Attempts to criminalise or violently suppress democratic expression are an affront to the rule of law and the very foundations upon which our Republic stands,” the release said.

The council has asked BJP Meghalaya to clarify its position on the matter, take disciplinary action against the youth wing leader, and issue a public apology.

It further urged law enforcement and relevant authorities to assess whether the alleged comment constitutes an offence, including incitement to violence or disturbance of public order.

“Silence or inaction in the face of such statements will only embolden those who seek to normalise violence as a political tool. No individual, irrespective of political affiliation, should be above the law,” the HYC Education Cell added.