Valentine’s Day Protest: Justice for Nido Tania, Struggles of Northeast India

ON February 14, as the world celebrated Valentine’s Day, thousands of protesters from Northeast India marched from Jantar Mantar to Parliament House in New Delhi, demanding justice for Nido Tania, a 21-year-old from Arunachal Pradesh who was brutally beaten on January 29, 2014, and died the following day — reportedly targeted due to his hairstyle. The protest also called for greater protection and safety for Northeastern communities, who have been subjected to racism, discrimination, harassment, and violence across India.

NIDO TANIA

The Delhi Police responded with heavy lathi charge, injuring many demonstrators and detaining several at the Parliament Street police station. This incident underscores the persistent struggles of Northeastern people in India, who continue to endure systemic prejudice, exploitation, and even fatal attacks.

On this Valentine’s Day Protest, the Delhi Police apprehended many non-Northeasterners and Northeasterners who were not part of the protest but were merely waiting for public transport at the bus stand as well as the metro station. Strangely, even Tibetans, Nepalese, and Sikkimese - who share similar Mongoloid features with Northeasterners - were almost detained and subjected to police interrogations due to mistaken identity.

In a bizarre turn of events, several individuals had to argue with the police and present their identity cards to prove they were not protesters. This is the capital of India, yet Northeasterners continue to be racially profiled and discriminated against. Wake up, India!

Here is the sequence of the events captured through the lens of 

Bruce K. Thangkhal

media in-charge

North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi

on 14 February, 2014.

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

!!!! Standing Against Racism in India: A Call for Justice and Equality !!!!

RACISM and DISCRIMINATION against Northeast Indians are not just isolated incidents — they are a deeply rooted social injustice that continues to plague our nation. From DEROGATORY SLURS to PHYSICAL VIOLENCE, countless Northeastern individuals have been subjected to mistreatment simply because of their distinct ethnicity and culture. This must END now.

We, as citizens of this country, demand equal RESPECT, DIGNITY, and SECURITY. The Northeast is an integral part of India, yet we are often treated as OUTSIDERS in our own land. How long will we be ignored? How long will we be seen as strangers? Our language, food, and appearance do not make us any less Indian than anyone else.

To those who turn a blind eye to our struggles, silence is complicity. Every act of RACISM, whether subtle or overt, chips away at the unity of our nation. If INDIA (Bharat) truly stands for DIVERSITY, then let it reflect in actions, not just in words.

 “To be treated as a foreigner in your OWN country is a WOUND that words CANNOT heal.”

It is time to hold people accountable. It is time to educate. It is time to demand change. Let this be a MOVEMENT, not just a moment. We will not be SILENT. We will not be ignored. Racism has NO place in INDIA.

To everyone who stood with our brother NIDO TANIA (victim of racism) in our massive protest rally, may our spirit of unity grow even stronger in the days ahead. To those who endured the brutality of the Delhi Police, our hearts are with you — we share your pain deeply. Let justice prevail for our brother, Nido Tania, and for all Northeastern people across India!

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal 

media in-charge 

North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi

14.02.'14

!!! NO TO RACISM !!!!

**The North East Support Centre and Helpline (NESCH) is a collective initiative of human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists, lawyers, intellectuals, and professionals dedicated to preventing harassment, discrimination, molestation, and abuse faced by people from Northeast India, especially women, living in Delhi and the NCR. Established in 2007, NESCH continues to advocate for safety, justice, and dignity.**

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