Nagaland Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along has strongly condemned recent incidents of racial slurs, assault and discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in different parts of the country, stating that such acts deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Nagaland and the wider region.
Referring to the recent case involving a Naga doctor in Gorakhpur and reported harassment of Northeast tenants in areas such as Malviya Nagar, along with incidents in Uttarakhand, Along said the people of the Northeast feel “hurt” and “pained” by the manner in which young men and women are being treated by what he termed as “very wrong people.”
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of Sekreyni cum mini Hornbill Festival, he said Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has already spoken openly against such incidents and condemned them unequivocally. “That is the stand of the state government very clearly,” Along said, adding that the Chief Minister has communicated the state’s concern over the discriminatory behaviour faced by Naga citizens and other Northeasterners.
Along also noted that Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had condemned the incident and called for strict punishment. He further stated that state authorities in places where incidents occurred have responded, mentioning that in the Gorakhpur case, those involved have reportedly been booked.
While asserting faith in the idea of a strong and united India, Along cautioned that racial and discriminatory behaviour undermines the vision of “One India.”
He urged the press and media to project the right narrative, emphasizing that no one in the Northeast is happy about such developments. “Discriminative, racial behavior is not accepted to us in any way,” he said.
Responding to a question suggesting that visual misrepresentation of Nagaland by central agencies could also contribute to misunderstanding, Along said the Government of India should not be bracketed or generalized in that manner. He acknowledged that perceptions may differ in various parts of the country but stressed that efforts are ongoing to engage with the Centre and other state governments to ensure that people from the Northeast are not subjected to racial discrimination or humiliating treatment.
“Imagine the people, the young boys and the girls who are going through it, who have been robbed of their fundamental rights of citizens, who have been robbed of the clarity of living peacefully in whichever part of the country,” he said.
He affirmed that the state government would continue to reach out openly and firmly on the issue to safeguard the dignity and rights of its people.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament, S Supongmeren Jamir has strongly condemned the recent incidents of racial discrimination and physical assault faced by people from the Northeast in different parts of the country, describing them as unacceptable and deeply concerning in a diverse democratic nation like India.
Referring to reports that a student from Nagaland was physically attacked at AIIMS Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and another incident involving racial abuse of Northeast girls in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Jamir said targeting individuals on the basis of their physical appearance, cultural identity or regional background is a direct violation of the spirit of national unity and constitutional values.
Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
He asserted that every citizen must remain conscious of the guarantees enshrined in the Constitution of India. Citing key constitutional provisions, Jamir said Article 14 ensures equality before the law, Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, Article 19 guarantees freedom of expression and movement, and Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty with dignity.
The MP emphasized that students from the Northeast contribute significantly to the academic and cultural fabric of the country and must feel safe and secure wherever they pursue education or employment. He called for strict legal action against those responsible for such acts to ensure that similar incidents are not repeated.
Jamir also urged authorities to strengthen awareness mechanisms, improve campus safety systems and establish rapid grievance redressal channels for students from the Northeast residing in metropolitan cities.
“India’s strength lies in its diversity. Any act of racial discrimination is not only an attack on an individual but an attack on the constitutional ethos of our nation,” he stated.
He further called upon civil society organizations, student bodies and law enforcement agencies to work collectively to promote mutual respect, harmony and national integra
