From Rijiju to Tripura opposition, outrage over alleged racial abuse of tribal youth
NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday strongly condemned "racial" harassment of a tribal youth from Tripura's Gomati district by a Delhi-based social media influencer Amir Shokeen.Rijiju took to X late Wednesday and shared a video of the incident, acknowledging the delay in filing an official complaint but warning that the accused would face action."This evil man will be punished. There was delay in lodging the official complaint but Delhi Police and Tripura Police will teach him a hard lesson. People who tolerate such wicked behavior in the society are also responsible for the spread of hatred," the Union parliamentary affairs minister said.
In the video circulating online, Shokeen can allegedly be heard making racial remarks against the youth. The clip, which surfaced on Tuesday evening, purportedly shows him asking the young man whether he was the "president" of a neighbouring country. He allegedly mocked Tripura when the youth responded that he was Indian.Political parties in Tripura closed ranks on Wednesday over the incident and demanded legal action against Shokeen.
Tripura chief minister Manik Saha directed the state director general of police to coordinate with Delhi Police and ensure a proper investigation into the incident.CPM state secretary and leader of the opposition Jitendra Chaudhury demanded an apology from Shokeen. "Establish a precedent that is both resounding and unmistakable, ensuring no one ever dares insult Tripura and the Tiprasa community again," he said.
Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman called for a joint protest in Delhi, saying, "This type of attitude is intolerable."Meanwhile, Shokeen posted a video on Facebook claiming that the incident was scripted. He said the person he allegedly abused was an acquaintance who worked at a friend's cafe in Ahmedabad."I did not intend to insult the people of Tripura, and I apologise if my words hurt anyone," he said.