Meghalaya Police have issued a plea, as well as a warning, to the public to maintain communal harmony as festivals of several religious communities are soon at hand.
“Let us reaffirm ourselves to uphold the values of national integration and communal harmony and maintain the rubric of democracy,” Assistant Inspector General of Police GK Iangrai said in a statement today. “It is hereby appealed that the tempo of communal harmony be sustained in the state of Meghalaya and also shall be the endeavour of the state machinery to uphold it at any cost.”
His appeal comes as communal tensions build, with indigenous groups taking grave offence to allegations of persecution against non-tribal Hindus in East Khasi Hills, claims that have created rumblings in other states and have let loose a torrent of communal abuse on social media.
“There have been some people who are trying to spread communal hatred on social media platforms and other public places, intending to [harm] the social harmony prevailing in the state,” the Assistant IGP said, adding that legal action will be taken against “anyone trying to incite communal disharmony”.
Iangrai also appealed for the public to come forward with any information they have on matters that pose a threat to social harmony. Such disclosures will be kept confidential.
