Itanagar, Mar 10: A Short Duration Discussion on incidents of racial abuse against people from the Northeast in the national capital was raised by MLA Thangwang Wangham during the ongoing session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Responding to the discussion, Minister P.D. Sona informed the House that the matter had already been taken up with the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, on the personal request of the Chief Minister. He further suggested that Members of Parliament from the Northeast should collectively pursue the introduction of a specific and stringent legislation to effectively curb racial discrimination against people from the region.
Initiating the discussion, Wangham referred to a recent incident in Delhi where three young girls from Arunachal Pradesh were allegedly subjected to racial abuse by a couple who hurled derogatory remarks, accused them of being involved in sex work, and made offensive comments about their physical appearance. He expressed grave concern over the recurring instances of racial discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in mainland India.
The MLA also recalled the tragic death of Arunachali youth Nido Tania in 2014, who was mocked for his appearance and subsequently beaten to death in Delhi—an incident that shocked the conscience of the nation and exposed the harsh realities of racial prejudice faced by people from the region.
He noted that the region has played a significant role in the country’s history, citing freedom fighters such as Rani Gaidinliu, Maniram Dewan and Matmur Jamoh. He also highlighted the remarkable achievements of sportspersons from the Northeast, including Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri, who have brought immense pride and recognition to the country on global platforms.
Emphasizing that the people of the Northeast are deeply patriotic and integral to the national fabric, Wangham urged the Assembly to unequivocally condemn all forms of racial discrimination and send a firm and united message against such acts.
Participating in the discussion, MLA Toko Tatung called for institutional and structural reforms to address the issue in a more systematic manner. He stressed the need for greater representation of Northeast history and culture in NCERT textbooks to foster awareness, sensitivity and understanding among the wider population. 
He further observed that only a small proportion of racial abuse cases are formally registered as FIRs and suggested the establishment of dedicated or “one-stop” police mechanisms to deal with such cases, along with fast-track courts to ensure swift and effective justice. 
Members Ninong Ering, Laisam Simai and WanglinLowangdong echoed similar concerns and underscored the urgent need for stronger measures to combat discrimination against people from the Northeast.
The House collectively emphasized the need for greater awareness, solidarity and robust legal safeguards to ensure the dignity, safety and equal treatment of people from the Northeast across the country.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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