A controversial video featuring influencer Amir Shokeen allegedly mocking a tribal youth has ignited political backlash
The clip, which surfaced Tuesday evening, purportedly shows Shokeen asking the youth if he is the “president” of a neighbouring country. “Establish a precedent that is both resounding and unmistakable, ensuring no one ever dares insult Tripura and the Tiprasa community again,” he said. “This type of attitude is intolerable,” he said. “Shokeen made crude and vulgar remarks…, calling him ‘Chinese’ and made fun of our state’s name,” said James Debbarma, general sec-retary of Youth Tipra Federation and an elected member of the Tripura tribal areas autonomous district council.
He allegedly also mocks Tripura when the man responds he is Indian. Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman called for a joint protest in Delhi.
“We are trying to identify the boy who was harassed and file a complaint,” said general secretary Hamalu Jamatia. He said the target of his alleged abuse 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.
Members of Twipra Students’ Federation plan to meet the Delhi Police commissioner Thursday. Shokeen has put out a video on Facebook claiming it was scripted.