Gurgaon Police Chief INTERACTS with Northeast Community

IN a long-overdue initiative, the Gurgaon Police held an interaction session with the Northeast Community at the Gurgaon Police Commissionerate, Haryana, on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The event aimed at sensitizing the police force to the issues faced by Northeast residents in the region.

The interaction was attended by Mr. Alok Mittal, Commissioner of Police, Gurgaon, along with Ms. Naazneen Bhasin, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Gurgaon) and Nodal Officer for the Northeast community, and Ms. Mamta Kharb, Deputy Inspector of Sadar Police Station. Additionally, thirty-six police officers heading various police stations participated in the session.

The Northeast Helpline (NESCH) team, led by Dr. Alana Golmei (Founding Member and General Secretary), was present, along with Mr. Bruce K. Thangkhal (Media Incharge), Mr. Apam Vashum (Executive Member), Mr. Edward Kamsiantung Zou (Executive Member), Mr. Mangminlun Zou (Gurgaon-based employee), Mr. Khamlianlal @ Khams Zotal (Student Social Worker), and Mr. Rakesh Chakma (Student Leader). Senior journalist Ms. Hoihnu Hauzel from Manipur also attended the event.

Welcoming the gathering, Ms. Naazneen Bhasin encouraged open communication between the Northeast community and Gurgaon Police. “Feel free to communicate all your concerns with us,” she said. Many attendees acknowledged her as the only approachable police officer in Gurgaon who has played a key role in resolving issues faced by the Northeast residents.

Emphasizing the need for prompt action against crimes targeting Northeast individuals, Commissioner Alok Mittal stated, “We will take strong action against any community members or police personnel who mistreat Northeast people.” He instructed officers to respond immediately to complaints and ensure their senior officers are informed. Further, he ordered all police stations to convey this message to their personnel.

A significant number of Northeast people reside and work in Gurgaon, mainly in BPOs, IT sectors, restaurants, and retail industries. During the session, Dr. Alana Golmei highlighted the safety concerns faced by Northeast residents in Delhi and the NCR region, strongly advocating for better protection. Ms. Hoihnu Hauzel also shared her insights on the issue.

Several attendees recounted their distressing experiences with the Gurgaon Police. Mr. Apam Vashum and Mr. Edward K. Zou reported an incident in which a PCR van picked up two Northeast boys and forced them to pay a fine of Rs. 200 each without reason. Mr. Rakesh Chakma shared that he was verbally abused by a female officer at Sadar Police Station while following up on a case. Similarly, Mr. Bruce K. Thangkhal narrated how a policeman tore up his complaint letter regarding a lost mobile phone in front of him, leaving him helpless.

The interaction provided a platform for open discussion, with police officers attentively listening to the grievances. Commissioner Mittal instructed all officers to handle issues concerning the Northeast community with care and urgency. He also directed PCR vans and patrolling officers to be more sensitive toward Northeast residents in Gurgaon.

This engagement marks a positive step toward addressing the challenges faced by the Northeast community in Gurgaon, fostering a more inclusive and responsive police force.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal, Media Incharge, North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi

 

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