Shillong, June 13: The Meghalaya government has decided not to proceed with defamation cases against media outlets and individuals who had made inflammatory remarks about the state following the tragic Sohra incident. The decision comes after several prominent media organisations and private individuals issued public apologies.

Cabinet Minister and MDA Spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said that the government’s demand for a public apology had been met, and there was no need to take the matter forward legally. “The genesis of our demand for apology sprang when number of comments were made, including incitement of violence against people originating from Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh said.

He added that the response was immediate and overwhelming. “The very next day, the response was tremendous because a lot of these major media houses, including Times of India, Republic TV, apart from private bloggers, have tendered their unqualified apology. So that met with our demand.”

When asked about the legal action initiated earlier, Lyngdoh clarified the government’s stand, “We have stated clearly that unless you apologise, we will file defamation suits and we have filed FIRs as well. Now, once they have taken their word back — for instance, the family of the deceased has also publicly apologised to the government and the people of Meghalaya — so the matter ends there.”

Also Read: Meghalaya Cabinet commends rescue teams for tireless efforts in Sohra’s missing-turned-murder case

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