Is India in need of a strong anti-racism law?

[sanglina]

Nido Tania (19 year old student from Arunachal Pradesh) beaten to death for his hair colour and oriental looks and two girls from Manipur (with oriental looks) beaten in New Delhi recently.

Is India in need of a strong anti-racism law? The recent attack on a young Arunachal boy and the alleged sexual assault on two women from Manipur make it seem like the demand is justified.
"This is not just one incident. We need a strong anti-racism law in India," said activist Binalakshmi Nepram, referring to the tragic death of Nido Taniam, the son of a Congress MLA in Arunachal Pradesh, who was beaten to death in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar area last week.
On Sunday, a key member of the Aam Aadmi Party, Madhu Bhaduri, quit over the midnight raid conducted by Delhi's Law Minister Somnath Bharti in south Delhi's Khirki Extension area in January, alleging racism and mistreatment of women. Some Ugandan women were allegedly harassed during the raids.
Student organisations from the northeast have been protesting since Saturday over the death of Taniam. The alleged sexual assault on the two Manipur women and the alleged police apathy towards them has only added fuel to the fire.
India is in need of a strong anti-racism law, they say.
The northeastern student groups say they are not protesting merely to demand justice for Taniam. It is for those thousands of people from the northeast who daily face some or the other form of harassment.
They are fighting the collective failure of a system and society that they actually belong to.

Taniam death, 2 Manipuri girls beaten: India in need of anti-racism law?

Arunachal Student Nido Taniam Beaten to Death: Lists of Other ‘Racial Attacks’ on North East Natives [Latest Reactions] - International Business Times

Excerpts from other sources-

-Nido Tania, a first year student of Lovely Professional University was allegedly beaten to death by some shopkeepers in Lajpat Nagar area of South Delhi on Wednesday.

-"The loss of an innocent life raises serious questions about the functioning of law enforcement agencies and it needs to be probed how the alleged beating of this student reportedly took place in full public view". Tania's relatives alleged that he had an altercation with some shopkeepers after they made fun of his hairstyle, following which they allegedly thrashed him.

-Rahul Gandhi has admitted the killing of Nido Tania as an act of racism "because of his hair colour and mongolian feature".


-This is not the first time and wouldn't be the last time where the people of Northeast region are frequently subjected to racial discrimination by fellow citizens of India. According to the latest survey by National Commission For Women, it was found that 86 percent of the Northeast people experienced harassment in the capital of India (New Delhi).

 

[sanglina]

[h=2]North East Indians vs Rest of Indians[/h]-Rijuta Singh, Cleveland, Ohio

It's a big shame that again a boy from NE India thrashed and died in Delhi. Why ?? As per me,it is not a million dollar question and has a very simple answer.


If Indians can live in Singapore or Shanghai without thrashing any locals or have friends from SE Asia in Europe and North America in their college or schools. They can be good to NE Indians too without mocking their facial features or hair color/style. People from mainland India are ignorant if not they envy NE Indians !


NE Indians are very hardworking people and they are very happy and content with their life.
They are the most educated people with very high literacy rate as compare to rest of India.
You will never see so much of gender equality in rest of India e.g. Meghalya follows matrilineal culture !!


These special traits makes them different and rest of Indians insecure. In my college best singer was from NE India, pick your college sports/soccer team best player will be from NE India. They are never trained, they are just very smart and intelligent. They simply know how to make best out of the available sources. You will never hear of tourist raped or robbed of her belongings in NE India..NEVER. They may not have the best infrastructure in their cities but their cities are very very clean as compare to rest of India. They may not have big brands in their cities but they are one of the most stylish and well dressed people in India. They may not be very social or talkative but they are very well mannered, soft spoken and never use offensive words. They cherish their liberal upbringing and respect trust of their society.


Do you know on one special day in Manipur both boy and girl are free to choose their spouse and marriage solemnised by their parents ? I never heard of such thing in main India except for someone killed because of marriage outside their religion or caste ! Do you know Arunachal produce one of the best Kiwifruit and Tripura produce Pinaepples which rest of India think as exported high end fruits ? Do you know how rich is Manipuri culture specially their classical dance and their Raas Leela which is better than of Mathura ? Do you know how rich flora and fauna of Sikkim ? Orchids are grown in their backyards, not in some Botanical garden of US/ Europe/ Australia ! Do you know what is Hornbill Festival and how colorful is that ?


Being ignorant is not so much of shame, as being unwilling to learn. Envy comes from ignorance or lack belief in their own good things. We should try to "Be culturally globalized instead of just being geographically globalized ".


If this boy would have been son of UP MLA, he would have shot 3+ people point blank without any remorse. RIP Nido...


P.S. I am born and brought up in mainland India, married to a guy from NE India, overwhelmed with love and affection from people while working in NE India. No discrimination, NEVER.
Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/notes/rijuta-singh/north-east-indians-vs-rest-of-indians/618734548181356

 

[sanglina]

[h=2]Racism: An Everyday Affair in the Heart of India, Delhi.[/h]-Yuimila Vashum

Here in Delhi, we live+eat+sleep racism. It is in the air we breathe in.

Delhiites (To those who are no racist, sorry for being tagged in the collective lots) have become so bold that passing a racist comment is just their usual “hellos” & “Byes”. Blame the law enforcing department where filing an FIR for any form of discrimination is like applying for a Merit Scholarship!

Hold your tongues dearest; let me tell you why I write what I write.

Many a times have men Blocked my way and called me “Oi Takloo” ( Hey baldie) just because I have a haircut that they don’t see often! Many a times have women in the metro’s ladies compartment tapped me on my shoulder and asked “takloo, kahan se hain tu?” (Baldie, where are you from) Sometimes they even stand away from me in unison and scan me from head to toe! Oh the attention I get, deplorable!

And the kind of laughs they throw on me and the disgusting whistles I get? I will omit because everyone knows that it is the daily “Chai” of Delhi life.

Be it on my way to work or the grocery store or the shopping malls or just a stroll in the park, someone somewhere never fails to pass snide/sexual remarks! No matter what I wear, no matter how I talk like, there is no escape from these scheming eyes, the lustful glance and the stinking scents of judgments!

The list goes on. And if you doubt me still, I can gather you thousand others with a story like mine.

Of course, there are many Delhiites who are educated and reasons with our plights and treat us right. I have many friends from the metro cities of India with a heart of gold. But it is sadly undeniable that the indecent & ignorant lots overshadow the good ones.

Yes, I may have chosen to ignore the snide remarks for I couldn’t waste my time trying to instil in those thick skulls a lesson on racism. I look back and think, what if I had protested against it, then, would I have ended up dead too?

Nido Tania fought back for acceptance and paid dearly with his life. He could have been anyone; he could have been me or you.

This huge outcry from the North-East Community against racial discrimination was bound to happen. Ironically, the death of Nido Tania was the plug that shed light on the ugly racism prevalent in every nook and corners of this city! (May his soul rest in peace.)

For once and for a change, justice should prevail; for the many deaths and cries, the hundreds of protest and candle light vigil.

 

[sanglina]

There are other ways to showcase patriotism:

We Indians and our sentiment and psychology never seem to emerge out clear from absurdity and obscurity, particularly the way some sections and communities of our society perceive things, never considering the fact that their diktat might have an adverse effect on others. It is out of understanding why some political parties earlier asked the Delhi and the central governments and the authorities of Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) not to allow pork and beef during the varsity’s festival. This violates the right to eat of the people of North-east India.

There are thousands of students, professors and researchers from North-east India in Delhi and most of them are into beef and pork. Do these self-acclaimed social police ever realize that such irresponsible and unwarranted warnings would deny the people from North-east of their food habits? We, Indians, never fail to hark around and herald the theory of unity and diversity. Then, why these unnecessary restrictions at the cost of someone else’s preferences? Let this people put their foot on the other’s shoe.

A few months back, students of Arunachal Pradesh were thrashed in South India for celebrating a birthday a little bit late into the night. The perpetrators’ argument is that they are not accustomed to celebrating late night parties. What about the kirtans and pujas that are alien to the people of the North-east that go well past beyond late nights?

People of North-east have never been heard of obstructing others’ practices because they very much respect others’ rights. Why can’t mainland India then reciprocate in the same manner? The other vague point alleged is that the people whose food habits include pork and beef want to disturb law and order situation in Delhi through the festival by provoking riots. It is beyond anybody’s logic and understanding how food preferences can create law and order disturbances and provoke a riot. Very unfortunately, some people have the misconception of aligning religions, tribes, communities and their practices with national security. Delhi might be a mini India as people from every part of the country are expected to reside there. But the people of Delhi must not take Delhi to be the only India. It is of utmost importance that the sentiments of the other parts of the union of India, particularly those of the minorities and indigenous tribal people of North-east India be taken into consideration.


Source: Editorial, The Arunachal Pioneer.

Is Delhi becoming intolerant and racist?

A student from Arunachal Pradesh is brutally beaten by a group of men in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar area, after racist comments on his looks. The boy is dead. Anger and dismay among people from the North East is real. Is Delhi becoming increasingly intolerant and racist?

-NDTV
http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/left-right-centre/is-delhi-becoming-intolerant-and-racist/307664?hp

 

[Akhum]

Yes you are right We need a strong Anti -Racism law ...

 

[ji]

Nido Tania (19 year old student from Arunachal Pradesh) beaten to death for his hair colour and oriental looks and two girls from Manipur (with oriental looks) beaten in New Delhi recently.

Is India in need of a strong anti-racism law? The recent attack on a young Arunachal boy and the alleged sexual assault on two women from Manipur make it seem like the demand is justified.
"This is not just one incident. We need a strong anti-racism law in India," said activist Binalakshmi Nepram, referring to the tragic death of Nido Taniam, the son of a Congress MLA in Arunachal Pradesh, who was beaten to death in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar area last week.
On Sunday, a key member of the Aam Aadmi Party, Madhu Bhaduri, quit over the midnight raid conducted by Delhi's Law Minister Somnath Bharti in south Delhi's Khirki Extension area in January, alleging racism and mistreatment of women. Some Ugandan women were allegedly harassed during the raids.
Student organisations from the northeast have been protesting since Saturday over the death of Taniam. The alleged sexual assault on the two Manipur women and the alleged police apathy towards them has only added fuel to the fire.
India is in need of a strong anti-racism law, they say.
The northeastern student groups say they are not protesting merely to demand justice for Taniam. It is for those thousands of people from the northeast who daily face some or the other form of harassment.
They are fighting the collective failure of a system and society that they actually belong to.

Taniam death, 2 Manipuri girls beaten: India in need of anti-racism law?

Arunachal Student Nido Taniam Beaten to Death: Lists of Other ‘Racial Attacks’ on North East Natives [Latest Reactions] - International Business Times

Excerpts from other sources-

-Nido Tania, a first year student of Lovely Professional University was allegedly beaten to death by some shopkeepers in Lajpat Nagar area of South Delhi on Wednesday.

-"The loss of an innocent life raises serious questions about the functioning of law enforcement agencies and it needs to be probed how the alleged beating of this student reportedly took place in full public view". Tania's relatives alleged that he had an altercation with some shopkeepers after they made fun of his hairstyle, following which they allegedly thrashed him.

-Rahul Gandhi has admitted the killing of Nido Tania as an act of racism "because of his hair colour and mongolian feature".


-This is not the first time and wouldn't be the last time where the people of Northeast region are frequently subjected to racial discrimination by fellow citizens of India. According to the latest survey by National Commission For Women, it was found that 86 percent of the Northeast people experienced harassment in the capital of India (New Delhi).

It happens and will happen again.Because its supported and people with strong political power always safe guards such wicked people.I am just surprised by why its happening to some rural/poor kid/girl somewhere and not in cities where girls/women dress as prostitutes.
I think its because they are prostitutes and these raped girls/kids are really people with integrity.after all wolfs always go behind lambs and not rotten dead bodies.
I hate the present dressing culture of India.Just saying.

And whatever happens,the political people always shows up to express 'freely available condolence' and go.And that's case closed for them.

 

[biscuit]

There need to be a real revolution in certain parts in India ... and you may have to resort to means that you may not feel comfortable with. As long as they are pacified toward the violence, the government will ignore the situation.

 

[ji]

There need to be a real revolution in certain parts in India ... and you may have to resort to means that you may not feel comfortable with. As long as they are pacified toward the violence, the government will ignore the situation.

Its no use.I live in India,north indians grit their teeth at south indians,because they don't look mostly fair and also more educated.Then there is cast,creed,all kind of other discrimination.On top of it politics.
And people don't care.Everyone lives in their dream world.
Funny thing is Indians hate western christians but welcome the people who do drugs,child/human trafficking,and business magnets who go to countries to make establishments.
That is India,incredible..

 

[sanglina]

There need to be a real revolution in certain parts in India ... and you may have to resort to means that you may not feel comfortable with. As long as they are pacified toward the violence, the government will ignore the situation.

The truth is, the northeastern people (especially in the context of the Nagas and Mizos) never wanted to join the Indian union as they are are ethnically, linguistically, culturally and socially different from the rest of India but the region was forcefully occupied after the British left India.

Since the region is militarily occupied without people's consent, there has been many revolutionary groups to resist Indian military invasion, as such, government of India declared it as a 'disturbed zone' (despite it being one of the safest place in India) and implemented Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) under which the Indian army can randomly abuse basic human rights and shoot at sight any civilians suspected to belong to a revolutionary group as they (Indian military forces) are protected by the Act.

No investors are willing to venture into the region and there is limited opportunity for higher education and career. Because of which, many northeasterners go to mainland Indian cities to pursue higher education and career but unfortunately, mainland Indians think India is only for Aryan and Dravidian looking people, forgetting the fact that the 'occupied' northeastern region has people with different culture and physical appearance (east asian looks), thus subjecting them to racial profiling and discrimination.

 

[Rachel20]

I think that's really sad, that people from the NE regions face such ignorant attitudes.

As a child, I've grown up in different parts of India, and I come from a mixed race family.
Especially in north India, people tend to be really uncouth about such stuff. I don't understand why people make it a big deal. At the end of the day, it's the person's calibre and talent that matters and not the way they look.

I've lived in the south now for quite some years and I have to say people here are much nicer and much more refined.

There are lots of North Eastern people and students from all over the world living where I live, and Tibetan settlements too. I am friends with them and they seem to get and blend with the localites.

I think people are more receiving here. Or maybe it's a cosmopolitan surrounding, I don't know.

I am sorry that North Eastern people have to face such discrimmination and stupidity otherwise. More than, laws, I guess the attitude and mentality of people needs to be changed, by bringing more such incidents in the foreground.

 

[sanglina]

Indian government hardly takes the issue seriously despite repeated protest and demand by northeasterners for implementing strong anti-racial law. The reason for ignoring the plight of northeasterners may well be best known to them.


SPOKEN WORDS: THE REALITY by Borkung Hrangkhawl (came across this video in one FB group, quite heart touching, so sharing the lyrics here)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cji4EMxF1OQ&hd=1

First, this ain't no verse but here are some words that I thought about.
Is it a curse or a blessing, or a blessing at its worst, and at times I feel like I am lost in the crowd.
Is it Adversity at its diversity? cuz to me, it seems like democracy has just voted me out.

Cus if our Preamble teaches equality and fraternity then why are we behaving like a hypocrite and promoting hypocrisy in abound, but here's the doubt, the rebound aspirations that we found.
Trust me, it's almost been a week now, our rage is at its peak now, I guess we should speak now.
Brothers and sisters all I am tryna say is we should try to reach out and fill in the bridge now.

Cus its never too late, better late than never cus if we capitulate then counteract, than how can we ever count the facts in order to face the facts of these racial attacks that we face on daily basis, yo i am talking basics. Or maybe your rules aren't efficient enough or are ineffective. So let me take you back to when in grade 6, I learnt everything about India and its culture through our textbooks leaving out North East; now tell me that ain't racist.
Justice, liberty and fraternity leads to greatness-
The greatness that we've been waiting for, then why is it that in our own country we feel so insecure, in our own country...
I was stabbed thrice in the process of graduating, that was funny though, cus after that we became bros, I thought it was just an incident and that it wouldn't grow. But it shows that I was wrong.

Don't mind me saying this but is this is some kinda freak show. Its like we are Rey Mysterio and you the big show.
Discriminating us because of our food habits, looks and judging us depending on our facial features or on the basis of our population ratio. Let these words of mine stream live on the radio.

Cus i want you to listen, why r u killing; isn't it the same air that we are breathing?
I can hear the heart beating, Mom back home weeping. And I guess you are day dreaming Cus you call yourself educated and learned men. And you don't even know where Arunachal Pradesh is situated in the map, tell me is your knowledge of geography that bad.
While on the other hand I am glad, I bet I know a lot about India and its culture, cus its my country. But you take us for granted, if I am Wrong then confront me.

Isn't it that the government is of the people, by the people and for the people
Mahatma Gandhi himself said, "See no evil, hear no evil and do no evil

Then why are you so eager to hurt our sentiments, it's like we are living down below while you are piling up the sediments.
The predicaments in this game of death, you are the participants.
So don't constrain yourself to the limitation of what you actions have caused.
Life is a blessing from God, then how on Earth are you ever gonna pay that cost.

We are Indians as much as you are.
Just for your knowledge, let me tell you who we really are, there are, 8 states:
Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. And together we are the North East. So before I end this, I want to say that
we want Justice for Richard Loitam, Danna Sangma, Reingamphi Awungshi and Nido Tania's death.
May their soul rest in peace.

 

[sanglina]

Barely two weeks after the death of a 19 year old Northeastern (NE) student (Nido Tania) in a racist attack in New Delhi, and the racial assault on two women from NE in New Delhi, there has been a series of other similar racists attack on North-easterners in Delhi. The racists attacks on NE community is happening despite north-easterners staging nationwide protest demanding security.

Nido Tania died on 30th January.

On 8th February, A 14-year-old NE minor was allegedly raped by her landlord's son in Munirka, south Delhi, on Friday night.

On 9th February, Two boys from the North East were allegedly beaten with iron rods and sticks Sunday night around 10:30 pm at Madangir - South Delhi by a group of bikers after they resented a racists remark.

Then, on 11th February, A 24-year-old North-easterner from Manipur was stabbed and robbed in the national capital in the early hours of Tuesday while he was returning from work at around 2:00 am. The man was attacked in Saket area of south Delhi.The victim had one centimetre deep cut in his abdomen and was admitted to a hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery on him.

On 12th February, Two girls from NE (Arunachal Pradesh) were molested in Gurgaon on Wednesday night by the landlord and his friends. The girls ran away and in the morning the landlord came again and tried forcing one of the girl's friends to sign a paper.
Source: Prahlad Chakma
Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students Union Delhi

On 12th February, A staff nurse from NE (Manipur), who works in GB Pant hospital, was robbed by unknown man near the hospital on Wednesday night. The incident occurred while she was returning home at around 9.30 pm.
The man forcibly snatched away her mobile phone and her bag [which contained important documents and money/Rs 7000].
"This incident happened in a busy place. While the victim confronted the man face-to-face, there were reportedly many people around her who simply stared at her. No one came forward to help her. The man ran away with her belongings in front of several people,”

Source: Bruce K Thangkhal, NEHS

There is now so much of simmering anger among the NE community (as vented out in FB grps) as the racial attack on them is happening one after the other and the Indian government is hardly doing anything or coming up with any concrete plan/policy to counter it. Many of the NEsterners' are voicing their resentment towards mainlanders in general and Indian government in particular for its apathy towards the community. Emotions are running high as many if not all NEsterners' expressed the inability to lead a 'dignified life' in mainland India despite India boast of celebrating 65 years of Independence.


This picture (photoshopped and fake but thought provoking) was uploaded in one of the NEsterners' FB grp. And within 24 hours of it being uploaded, the picture was 'shared' by 3000 plus NEsterners' with thousands of comments voicing for a separate NE country or merging with China.
View attachment 72057


Since Nido Tania's death, the NE community living in different parts of India has been protesting for justice and security of NE people in mainland India.

Reports of protest in North eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram reads as-
"Protests against racial discrimination and attacks on people from the Northeast in Delhi witnessed a pro-China slogan being raised in Mizoram and a “curfew” being imposed on “outsiders” in Manipur today. “Hello China”, read a placard at a demonstration staged by the Mizo Students’ Union in front of Raj Bhavan in Aizawl though Mizoram does not share a boundary with that country at all.

The protest was held against the racial discrimination meted out to northeasterners in “mainland India” and to express the feeling of alienation which is seemingly gaining ground among the people of the region. “Is Northeast a part of India?” read another banner.

“We came under the Indian Union without our consent. If we are continually oppressed and racially discriminated in what is called our country, what else can we do?” MZU president Zodinpuia said.

In Manipur, a coordination committee of six student bodies imposed a statewide “curfew” on all “outsiders” (non-Manipuris) from 5am to 11pm in protest against the serial attacks on people from the Northeast in Delhi. The curfew was a part of the ongoing protest against the killing of Nido Tania, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, and attacks on Manipuris, including rape of a minor girl, in Delhi recently.

A majority of shops and restaurants owned by outsiders remained shut in Imphal for the day and non-Manipuri labourers and hawkers did not venture out of the city for their daily livelihood. Only shops owned by local people remained open" (China slogan in Nido backlash)

The police apathy towards NE people:

Every time, a NEsterner goes to the police station to lodge an FIR, the police wouldnot listen to the complain. Most of the cases filed by NEsterner's (including the cases mentioned here) are lodged only after the intervention of student bodies. The attitude of police towards the complains of NE is indifference.

In relation to the police apathy, there was an article today in the Hindu. It reads as, "Last year, when two women of Chinese descent from Singapore were molested in Goa, the police delayed the registration of their complaint with the excuse that they thought the women were from the Northeast".


PS: Reason for sharing the news: to highlight the gravity of racial discrimination against NE and the impact it has on the NEsterners' (feeling of alienation). I know there are some of you (mainlanders, even if few) out there who do not subscribe to racial discrimination and maybe you can contribute your little bit (in prayer or through awareness or whatever) in helping fight racism in India. Let us be reminded of the saying, "little drops of water makes an ocean" and be encouraged by it to do our little bit. Let peace and sanity prevail. Kuknalim!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvc...anipuri-youth-south-delhi-ambedkar-nagar-area
14-year-old Manipur girl raped in Munirka - Times Of India
Days after Nido Tania's death, two cousins from Manipur allegedly attacked in Delhi | NDTV.com

 

[sanglina]

Barely two weeks after the death of a 19 year old Northeastern (NE) student (Nido Tania) in a racist attack in New Delhi, and the racial assault on two women from NE in New Delhi, there has been a series of other similar racists attack on North-easterners in Delhi. The racists attacks on NE community is happening despite north-easterners staging nationwide protest demanding security.

Nido Tania died on 30th January.

On 8th February, A 14-year-old NE minor was allegedly raped by her landlord's son in Munirka, south Delhi, on Friday night.

On 9th February, Two boys from the North East were allegedly beaten with iron rods and sticks Sunday night around 10:30 pm at Madangir - South Delhi by a group of bikers after they resented a racists remark.

Then, on 11th February, A 24-year-old North-easterner from Manipur was stabbed and robbed in the national capital in the early hours of Tuesday while he was returning from work at around 2:00 am. The man was attacked in Saket area of south Delhi.The victim had one centimetre deep cut in his abdomen and was admitted to a hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery on him.

On 12th February, Two girls from NE (Arunachal Pradesh) were molested in Gurgaon on Wednesday night by the landlord and his friends. The girls ran away and in the morning the landlord came again and tried forcing one of the girl's friends to sign a paper.
Source: Prahlad Chakma
Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students Union Delhi

On 12th February, A staff nurse from NE (Manipur), who works in GB Pant hospital, was robbed by unknown man near the hospital on Wednesday night. The incident occurred while she was returning home at around 9.30 pm.
The man forcibly snatched away her mobile phone and her bag [which contained important documents and money/Rs 7000].
"This incident happened in a busy place. While the victim confronted the man face-to-face, there were reportedly many people around her who simply stared at her. No one came forward to help her. The man ran away with her belongings in front of several people,”

Source: Bruce K Thangkhal, NEHS

There is now so much of simmering anger among the NE community (as vented out in FB grps) as the racial attack on them is happening one after the other and the Indian government is hardly doing anything or coming up with any concrete plan/policy to counter it. Many of the NEsterners' are voicing their resentment towards mainlanders in general and Indian government in particular for its apathy towards the community. Emotions are running high as many if not all NEsterners' expressed the inability to lead a 'dignified life' in mainland India despite India boast of celebrating 65 years of Independence.


This picture (photoshopped and fake but thought provoking) was uploaded in one of the NEsterners' FB grp. And within 24 hours of it being uploaded, the picture was 'shared' by 3000 plus NEsterners' with thousands of comments voicing for a separate NE country or merging with China.



Since Nido Tania's death, the NE community living in different parts of India has been protesting for justice and security of NE people in mainland India.

Reports of protest in North eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram reads as-
"Protests against racial discrimination and attacks on people from the Northeast in Delhi witnessed a pro-China slogan being raised in Mizoram and a “curfew” being imposed on “outsiders” in Manipur today. “Hello China”, read a placard at a demonstration staged by the Mizo Students’ Union in front of Raj Bhavan in Aizawl though Mizoram does not share a boundary with that country at all.

The protest was held against the racial discrimination meted out to northeasterners in “mainland India” and to express the feeling of alienation which is seemingly gaining ground among the people of the region. “Is Northeast a part of India?” read another banner.

“We came under the Indian Union without our consent. If we are continually oppressed and racially discriminated in what is called our country, what else can we do?” MZU president Zodinpuia said.

In Manipur, a coordination committee of six student bodies imposed a statewide “curfew” on all “outsiders” (non-Manipuris) from 5am to 11pm in protest against the serial attacks on people from the Northeast in Delhi. The curfew was a part of the ongoing protest against the killing of Nido Tania, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, and attacks on Manipuris, including rape of a minor girl, in Delhi recently.

A majority of shops and restaurants owned by outsiders remained shut in Imphal for the day and non-Manipuri labourers and hawkers did not venture out of the city for their daily livelihood. Only shops owned by local people remained open" (China slogan in Nido backlash)

The police apathy towards NE people:

Every time, a NEsterner goes to the police station to lodge an FIR, the police wouldnot listen to the complain. Most of the cases filed by NEsterner's (including the cases mentioned here) are lodged only after the intervention of student bodies. The attitude of police towards the complains of NE is indifference.

In relation to the police apathy, there was an article today in the Hindu. It reads as, "Last year, when two women of Chinese descent from Singapore were molested in Goa, the police delayed the registration of their complaint with the excuse that they thought the women were from the Northeast".


PS: Reason for sharing the news: to highlight the gravity of racial discrimination against NE and the impact it has on the NEsterners' (feeling of alienation). I know there are some of you (mainlanders, even if few) out there who do not subscribe to racial discrimination and maybe you can contribute your little bit (in prayer or through awareness or whatever) in helping fight racism in India. Let us be reminded of the saying, "little drops of water makes an ocean" and be encouraged by it to do our little bit. Let peace and sanity prevail. Kuknalim!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvc...anipuri-youth-south-delhi-ambedkar-nagar-area
14-year-old Manipur girl raped in Munirka - Times Of India
Days after Nido Tania's death, two cousins from Manipur allegedly attacked in Delhi | NDTV.com

 

[jatinderkumar]

i respect east-indian people like i do for for other rest of country.....i have full regard and proud feeling for north- east people....if anything happens in my city that disrespect any person , i will always come and raise a voice!!

 

[sanglina]

i respect east-indian people like i do for for other rest of country.....i have full regard and proud feeling for north- east people....if anything happens in my city that disrespect any person , i will always come and raise a voice!!

Amen to that ^^!

I wish more people like you and Rachel20 would sprang up and outnumber the 'racists' in mainland India for us to live together in the true spirit of "Unity in Diversity".

Here is a relevant article written by a guy from Darjeeling who has similar looks like that of a northeastener. The article is insightful as it reflects the reality. Like other northeasterners' who has lived, traveled widely in mainland India, and having been exposed to a wide range of racial discrimination from mainlanders, I could easily relate to his article such as the Taj Mahal experience, the passport issue, the encounter with geography man, the stereotyping of NE women, snide remarks about our religion (considered as being brainwashed by the West), social life and food habits, (including ridiculous questions like, "Do you guys eat human, how does human flesh taste like?), etc, etc.
Racism in India: Systemic, systematic and pervasive

I think, in a way (positive) I have developed the art of self-control, tolerance, patience, and what not after living in Delhi for almost a decade now. Sometimes, when I am pushed to the limits (be it anywhere), I tried to hold my control by reminding myself with: I am a Christian and I should not act like 'them'. However, its not easy and there are times when I have responded back (like in the article) by questioning the legitimacy of their educational degree (which they find it offensive).


The way forward?

Yesterday, the Supreme Court notify Central government on racial attacks against NEsterners'. Let's pray, wait and see (cross our finger) if the move will propel Central government to take some positive action in helping curb racism. SC notice to Centre, states on guidelines to protect NE people | The Indian Express

 

[Rachel20]

I will pray about that too, Sanglina.

I saw this on the news, and this seemed positive. There is of course a lot more to do than just a bike rally, but it means if more people are aware of the unfair treatment meted out to people of NE origin, then more people would come forward to support.

Bangalore bikers ride against racism - The Times of India


It is not often that 200-odd bikers come together on Bangalore's roads to hold a silent rally.

On Sunday, the Bikers Against Racial Discrimination, which comprised members from six biker clubs of the city, took to the streets in an attempt to end racism. The rally was flagged off at Town Hall and the participants rode across 14 km, and covered several thoroughfares of the city.

"Ours was a silent protest against growingracism across the country. Many of our fellow citizens have been murdered, raped and maimed for life because of racism. We want justice and an end to racism," says Bishwajit Singh Rajkumar, one of the organizers of the rally and a software professional from Manipur who is currently working in the city.

Bishwajit's friend from Manipur, Ringo Pebam, who participated in the rally, says, "We got a tremendous response from fellow bikers from various walks of life, belonging to all castes, creeds and religions. The participation at the rally is a testimony to the fact that in a democratic set-up, there is no place for racism."

The participants were seen holding placards bearing messages like 'Racism is wrong', 'Racism has no place in a democratic country', 'Friends are made by the heart, not by skin colour' and 'Stop all violence against the North East'

 

[sanglina]

I will pray about that too, Sanglina.

I saw this on the news, and this seemed positive. There is of course a lot more to do than just a bike rally, but it means if more people are aware of the unfair treatment meted out to people of NE origin, then more people would come forward to support.

Bangalore bikers ride against racism - The Times of India


It is not often that 200-odd bikers come together on Bangalore's roads to hold a silent rally.

On Sunday, the Bikers Against Racial Discrimination, which comprised members from six biker clubs of the city, took to the streets in an attempt to end racism. The rally was flagged off at Town Hall and the participants rode across 14 km, and covered several thoroughfares of the city.

"Ours was a silent protest against growingracism across the country. Many of our fellow citizens have been murdered, raped and maimed for life because of racism. We want justice and an end to racism," says Bishwajit Singh Rajkumar, one of the organizers of the rally and a software professional from Manipur who is currently working in the city.

Bishwajit's friend from Manipur, Ringo Pebam, who participated in the rally, says, "We got a tremendous response from fellow bikers from various walks of life, belonging to all castes, creeds and religions. The participation at the rally is a testimony to the fact that in a democratic set-up, there is no place for racism."

The participants were seen holding placards bearing messages like 'Racism is wrong', 'Racism has no place in a democratic country', 'Friends are made by the heart, not by skin colour' and 'Stop all violence against the North East'

I saw this ^^ splashed in almost all the NE groups (FB) a couple of days back and it was really heartening to see the bikers lending their support in voicing against racism towards NEsterners. I guess, not all hope is lost!

That being said, the state and central government has come up with some corrective steps to tackle racism against NEsterners'. I am not sure (at this stage) if these steps taken by the government will work or not as its too premature to say anything now but let's hope for the best

-At the backdrop of repeated racial attack against NE community/student, Bangalore University and Delhi University has proposed to construct separate hostels for NEsterner students only.

-Committee formed in Delhi to address the issue of racial attacks against NEsterners'.

-Delhi police have created social page on FB especially for NEsterners' to redress racial issue. I am quite skeptical of this move because Delhi police tried very hard, sometimes even threatened NEsterners' i.e. complainants against filing an FIR in the police station. So,how would creating a social page for NEsterners' to address their grievous be any different or would be entertained with prompt action is up to anyone's guess? But there's no harm in trying so keeping fingers cross and hoping for the best.

-Self Defense Training for North East People Residing in Delhi, to be followed by an hour of Hindi speaking class atthe same venue for interested participants.



-As shared by Arunachal Chief Minister Shri.Nabam Tuki, Northeast history, culture will be included in NCERT books. He said, "I met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the recent attacks on people from the northeastern states here in the national capital and after along deliberation the prime minister has agreed to include information about the northeastern states in the NCERT text books," Tuki told IANS.

He further stated that, "They should visit our region to learn more about the geography, history and culture of the people of the region. These racist attacks on our people in metropolitan cities across India are mainly due to discrimination and lack of knowledge of the people about the northeastern states. The Nido Tania incident is not the first case. We have brought many dead bodies back to the northeast and these racist attacks can be stopped only if the people in the region know more about the northeastern region."

-On Valentines day i.e. 14th February, peaceful protesters (protesting in a democratic way) comprising mostly students from NE were lathi charged by Delhi police. In the process, few students were severely injured (as reported) and several of them including 2 MPs were detained at the police station for hours.

Now, Members in both Houses of Parliament demanded stringent action against Delhi Police and CRPF personnel for assaulting and detaining two Left MPs and several students protesting growing attacks on Northeastern people in Delhi last week.

They also demanded that the issue be taken up bythe Privileges Committee of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and action initiated against these personnel.

 

[sanglina]

Here is a heartfelt article written by a mainlander. So, sharing it here -


Apology Letter to a North Easterners

By Garima Sachdeva
From Hindu College, New Delhi.

> A 19 year old boy, Nido Tania, from Arunachal Pradesh was beaten to death by shopkeepers at a South Delhi market. He was earlier subjected to mockery over his hair colour, his clothing and his appearance. We all posted Facebook statuses, Twitter comments, Instagram pictures, as a protest against the society that brought about his death. Our anger was evident. What we conveniently forgot is that it is we who made this society, it is we who give some citizens of our country grief, it is we who should change, and the society will follow. Here is what we should accept, realize and change. Here is an apology to my friend from the North East.

"It is not a 'thought of the day'. It is a realization of a lifetime.

It is not just a onetime thing. It is a process of transformation.

It is not just an apology letter. It is a true feeling, bludgeoning the insides of our hearts.

I have been a bad person. I was brought up in a society where it was 'ok' to make fun of people. Some of my fun was subtle, some not so much. As I grew up amidst the same society, I made the line of subtlety hazy. My jokes no longer knew boundaries. To make matters worse, they were now armed and ready with stereotypical assumptions, preconceived notions and selfish trysts with my own petty laughter. Many of these were aimed at you, my north eastern friend. For all the selfishness, I apologize.

If I saw you on the street, I would shout out appalling words to you. Words which should have been corrected by my parents, by my friends, by my peers and by the society. Words which ruined generations, and if remained unchecked, can ruin a few more. Words which were not only offensive, but wretchedly hurtful. Words like 'chinki', 'chinese', 'chowmein', 'chilly chicken' and what not, I feel disgusted by myself just by writing them all out; wondering how you took all these in sickens me to the very core. How could I be so odious, how could I be so spiteful, how could I be so insensitive? Now I am bringing about a change in myself. For all the mortification, I apologize.

I have made incredulous remarks on your origin. I have said unkind things about your features. I am ashamed. I shoot daggers at anyone who dares to call me fat or thin or unattractive or lanky and here I am calling you something so offensive, so easily. You belong to our nation, India, and I call you names that send you across the border to China. What kind of an Indian am I? The worst kind, I suppose. Such a disgrace I am. For all the humiliation, I apologize.

I hear the leaders talk about the 'youth factor' in the 2014 elections. Narendra Modi says we can make or break this nation. Rahul Gandhi says we can take this nation forward on our shoulders. They all have expectations from us. Our minds are indeed sharp but our hearts are contaminated. The youth might be more informed and open about economics, management and politics, the youth might understand the nation in a better and healthier way, but compassion has become an alien word to the youth. We might be on the driver's seat when we see ourselves excelling as educated individuals but we have definitely hit the rock bottom when it comes to being thoughtful individuals. We call the westerners racist. They call us black. They call us browns. They look down upon us and consider us inferior to them. We sigh, we cuss and we retaliate. We call them inconsiderate for this thinking of theirs. We hold debates and criticize them. That's how we get to sleep at night. We quite easily forget that we too are indulging in the very same acts of racism back home, in our own country, to our own people. We are hypocritical racists towards certain sections of the nation. For the callous acts, I apologize.

I am not doing this because my guilt has reached its saturation point. I am not doing this to land myself in heaven once I die. I am not doing this out of a sudden epiphany. I doing this because it is the right thing to do, it is about time I do this. It should have been done ages ago. I am not blaming anyone, but myself. I am committed to change myself and all the people I meet on my way, in my journey called life.

I am optimistic that there are many who want to adopt this change, many who WILL adopt this change. Together we can make this a better world where a joke does not cross any limit and the fun remains well within boundaries. You will find me by your side when you protest at Jantar Mantar, you will see me arguing with a friend who tries to call you names, you will always have me on your side, in your battle for your rights. To you my north eastern friend, I apologize for everything, from the very bottom of my heart."

 

[msgomez1000]

can black americans visit india safely ?

 

[Rachel20]

can black americans visit india safely ?

India is very diverse.

Of course anyone can travel here, as long as they keep in mind the diktats of culture, respect the rules and norms, and stay cautious and aware.