AASU Condemns Racial Discrimination Against Arunachal Women in Delhi

Strong Condemnation from AASU

On February 26, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) expressed its outrage over a recent incident of racial discrimination involving three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. The organization is calling for stringent action against those responsible for this incident.

AASU's chief advisor, Samujjal Bhattacharya, highlighted that this event is indicative of a troubling trend of racial bias faced by individuals from the Northeast throughout India.

He stated, 'We have been consistently misunderstood, stereotyped, and marginalized. The incident involving the Arunachal women in Delhi is not an isolated case; it reflects a broader issue of racial discrimination that Northeasterners frequently encounter.'

Bhattacharya took to social media to denounce the incident, labeling it as a manifestation of the long-standing discrimination faced by Northeastern communities. He emphasized that this is not an isolated occurrence but part of a systemic issue.

'For decades, the Northeastern region has been treated as an outsider within its own nation,' he remarked, questioning how long residents from this area must prove their belonging.

He characterized the racism directed at Northeasterners as deeply rooted and systemic, urging the government to take immediate and decisive action against the perpetrators. He called for those responsible to be charged and prosecuted under applicable laws.

Additionally, Bhattacharya insisted on the implementation of the Bezbaruah Committee's recommendations, which were established to address the concerns of Northeastern individuals, to ensure their safety and dignity.

In response, Union ministers and regional Chief Ministers also condemned the incident, promising strict legal measures. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned that he has been in contact with authorities since the incident was reported.

'I have personally communicated with the police and am monitoring the situation. Arrests have been made, and we will take strong legal action to ensure that no one mistreats individuals from the Northeast,' he stated.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu confirmed that he had contacted the Delhi Police Commissioner immediately after learning of the incident, demanding prompt and strict action. 'The accused will face legal consequences. We stand firmly with our three sisters, prioritizing their safety, dignity, and justice,' he affirmed.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also condemned the incident, urging the Delhi Police to take decisive action. Union Minister for the Development of the Northeastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, stated that strong legal measures have been enacted and such behavior will not be tolerated.

A Delhi court has placed the accused couple, Ruby Jain and Harsh, in 14 days of judicial custody until March 11. They were arrested following a complaint filed at the Malviya Nagar Police Station regarding the alleged use of racial slurs during a dispute over repair work at their rented home on February 20.

Authorities indicated that relevant laws, including those under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as well as sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning criminal intimidation, insulting women's modesty, and inciting enmity between groups, have been applied in this case.

This incident has reignited concerns regarding the safety and dignity of Northeastern individuals residing in other regions of India.