The Union Government has reiterated a series of measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of people from the Northeast residing in different parts of the country, while clarifying that law and order remains primarily the responsibility of state governments.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai stated that “Police” and “Public Order” fall under the State List as per the Constitution, making state governments responsible for prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes through their respective law enforcement agencies.
The Minister informed that the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes crime data received from states and Union Territories in its annual report “Crime in India,” with reports currently available up to 2023. However, he noted that there is no centralized data maintained specifically on incidents such as hate speech, racial slurs, harassment or discrimination against people from the Northeast.
Despite the absence of dedicated data, Rai emphasized that existing legal provisions are sufficient to take action against hate comments, gestures and racial discrimination targeting individuals, including those from the Northeastern region.
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Highlighting the steps taken by the Government of India, the Minister said advisories have been issued to all states and Union Territories to implement action plans for ensuring the safety of people from the Northeast. These include the appointment of nodal officers to address grievances, sensitization of law enforcement agencies, and prompt action in cases of harassment.
He further pointed out that the Delhi Police has established a Special Police Unit for North East Region (SPUNER) to specifically address concerns of Northeast residents. In addition, dedicated helpline numbers and email IDs have been launched to facilitate the reporting of complaints and grievances.
The Centre has also advised Chief Secretaries, Administrators and Directors General of Police across states and Union Territories to sensitize police personnel on legal provisions related to racial discrimination and to replicate best practices adopted by Delhi Police.
Referring to judicial intervention, Rai stated that following a December 14, 2016 judgment of the Supreme Court of India in a writ petition, the Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a three-member Monitoring Committee. The committee, which includes members from the Northeast, is tasked with monitoring issues and addressing grievances related to racial discrimination faced by people from the region.
He added that the committee holds regular meetings to review the situation and recommend necessary measures.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that citizens from the Northeast feel safe and protected across the country, while urging states and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and responsive to incidents of discrimination.
