State BJP leaders have demanded a public apology from senior RSS functionary Sunil Deodhar after a video of his speech at an Indigenous Faith Forum event in Pynter village (Rangthylliang, Pynursla) went viral, sparking sharp criticism from local residents and readers, letters published in the Shillong Times on February 25, 2026, say. The video, reportedly posted by Deodhar with the title “Watch my speech in Meghalaya,” prompted the party’s state general secretary to reprimand the speaker and call for a public apology, according to contributors to the paper’s letters page.
Letter writer Toki Blah described Deodhar’s remarks as “anti‑Christian rantings” and said they forced the state BJP into urgent damage control. Blah said the speech began with an unfounded attack on the state government, accusing it of indifference toward non‑Christian groups — a charge he called a “downright untruth” and potentially harmful to national security if it erodes public confidence in elected governments in the Northeast.
Blah also raised geopolitical concerns, asking whether Deodhar’s rhetoric echoed calls from across the border and citing recent statements by others who have criticised New Delhi’s treatment of the Northeast. He questioned Deodhar’s motives, calling the Pynter event a “brazen attempt to Divide and Rule our Khasi Pnar community” and warning that such figures threaten Hynniewtrep unity. Blah added that Deodhar later responded to criticism by saying he “HAVE IMMENSE RESPECT FOR LORD JESUS CHRIST,” yet continued to use the term “U Dkhar,” which the writer said carries derogatory connotations in Khasi.
Another correspondent, Dominic S. Wankhar of Shillong, accused Deodhar and the RSS of promoting a campaign of hatred aimed at undermining ancestral beliefs and stoking communal division. Wankhar warned that incitement that foments communal tension may violate sections of the law and criticised organisers for allowing such speeches. He urged Deodhar to verify claims of conversions before making public allegations, noting that many non‑Christians send their children to Christian‑run schools.
Separately, Michael N. Syiem wrote to clarify the aims of the theatre group Maitshaphrang after an article on a play dealing with land and identity. Syiem said the group is not advocating patrilineal traditions and pointed to their play “Papa shano Phi Don,” which he said has received over 100,000 views on YouTube. The play, he wrote, questions aspects of the matrilineal system that can leave children effectively orphaned when the mother dies and the mother’s clan lacks resources. Syiem argued that the rise of orphanages and old‑age homes signals a need for urgent introspection within the community.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/02/26/the-same-old-divide-and-rule-trick/
Category: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-26 03:48:00
