Interactions on Problems Face by Northeast in Delhi

New Delhi, 28 Feb 2014 – Following a series of attacks on people from the Northeast, a discussion on the challenges faced by the Northeastern community was held today at the Vivekananda International Foundation in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The speakers included former Intelligence Bureau chief Mr Ajit Doval, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Mr Robin Hibu IPS, retired Army General Sarkar Chowdhury, and retired police officer Mr D.C. Nath. Social activists, student leaders, and journalists were also in attendance.

The theme of the discussion centred on ensuring the safety and security of people from the Northeast. “We have been facing situations that are extremely painful for us. I sincerely hope that the government will take action in the coming days. Always remember that good or bad things will happen in life — how we respond to them is what truly matters. Let us work together to make our country safer and more secure,” said Mr Ajit Doval.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Sarkar Chowdhury emphasized that Delhi, as the capital of India, belongs to everyone equally. “Do not feel shy — come out and make your voices heard,” he encouraged the Northeastern community.

Mr Chowdhury highlighted that many people in Delhi lack knowledge about the Northeastern states and their people. “This is due to ignorance, and so we need to put up posters in various colleges to spread awareness among the people of Delhi,” he added.

He also urged Northeastern students present at the event to form a student union to foster interaction and strengthen relationships among themselves. He stressed that such a union must represent all the Northeastern states.

Chowdhury further pointed out that the Northeastern region requires focused development. “The entire Northeast must develop holistically,” he stated. He also mentioned plans to meet with all the resident commissioners of the Northeast Bhawans in Delhi and to engage television channels to create special programmes on the Northeast, including those related to tourism.

It is widely known that many Bhawans are not easily accessible to young people or students from the Northeast. Students from the region often find themselves unable to make use of the State Bhawans in the capital.

Mr D.C. Nath encouraged the Northeastern community to feel safe and integrate with the mainstream. He spoke about Hindu civilisation, which, he stated, welcomes everyone to assimilate into the wider society.

Following the widespread outrage over racial attacks on Northeastern people, the Indian government has taken some steps to address the issue. The government is now significantly more aware of the challenges faced by Northeastern people in Delhi.

A few days ago, the Government of India launched a dedicated helpline for people from the Northeast. The helpline number is 1093.

According to Mr Robin Hibu, who also serves as the Nodal Officer for the Northeast, the helpline has received approximately 29 calls since its inception. Additionally, a special unit for the Northeast, led by an IPS officer from the region, has been established.

Another welcome development has been the appointment of an IPS officer, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), to liaise with Northeastern students in North Delhi.

Hibu remarked, “A special recruitment drive has been launched by the Delhi Police. Recently, 31 candidates from Guwahati attended a police recruitment drive. We are striving to ensure that the Delhi Police reflects a cosmopolitan outlook.”

Furthermore, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) has agreed to establish a North East Cultural Centre in Delhi.

Other topics discussed included the inclusion of Northeast history and culture in NCERT textbooks and whether existing laws, such as the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, adequately address the needs of the Northeastern community.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

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