Press Conference in Delhi on Rape Case of Minor Girl from North-East

NEW DELHI, 10 Feb 2014 – A press conference was held today at the Press Club of India, attended by former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia, editor of The Northeast Today Manikya Debbarma, social activist Binalakshmi Nepram, North East Helpline founding member Dr Alana Golmei, and various student leaders from North-East states.

The North-East community called for stronger anti-racism laws, faster justice for both Nido Tania and the minor girl who was raped in Munirka on Friday night, and quick trials in fast-track courts for North-Eastern people who have been killed but never received justice.

They criticized the government’s newly formed committee, stating it was created without consulting civil society groups and consists only of retired bureaucrats, with no women members. “We reject this committee and demand its revision,” they said.

They also urged the Delhi government to take responsibility and ensure better safety for North-Eastern women in residential areas, shopping malls, spas, call centres, and workplaces.

The community demanded that the Indian government take strong action against Delhi Police for refusing to file an FIR. They insisted that any police officer who refuses to register a complaint should be held accountable and immediately suspended. Another key demand was the inclusion of North-East India’s history, culture, and identity in the national curriculum, including NCERT, CBSE, and UGC syllabuses.

Recently, Delhi has made headlines for multiple crimes against North-Eastern people. According to police reports, a local man, Ashish Tokas, also known as Vicky, allegedly raped a minor Manipuri girl in Munirka on Friday night. He reportedly dragged her into an isolated room, locked the door, and assaulted her. The accused was arrested on Saturday.

Earlier, on 25 January, two girls from Manipur were physically assaulted by local men in Kotla Mubarakpur. On 29 January, a 19-year-old boy from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly killed by shopkeepers at Lajpat Nagar market. The rape of the minor Manipuri girl sparked protests at Vasant Vihar Police Station on Saturday and Patiala Court on Sunday when the survivor was brought to record her statement. Many North-Eastern women have expressed fears for their safety in the capital.

Reports also state that two more boys from Manipur were attacked with iron rods and sticks by a biker on Sunday night at around 10:30 pm in Madangir, South Delhi. One of them has been admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre. Police have recorded their statements and begun investigations, but no arrests have been made so far.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge

North East Support Centre & Helpline
(Special Correspondent – The Mizoram Post, Manipur Chronicle, Zogam Today)

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