Shilling, April 12: The recent incident of church leaders from Meghalaya being manhandled by unidentified miscreants in Bihar has once again brought to light the issue of racial discrimination and harassment faced by people from the Northeastern states of India.
According to reports, the church leaders were travelling by train through Bihar when they were attacked by the miscreants. The incident has been condemned by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who has ordered an investigation into the matter.
”Condemn the incident in Bihar where our elders from Presbyterian Church were manhandled by miscreants. Instructed Meg police to be in touch with Bihar police who are helping our elders, their statements are being taken to file fir against those miscreants,” the Meghalaya CM wrote on Twitter.
Condemn the incident in Bihar where our elders from Presbyterian Church were manhandled by miscreants. Instructed Meg police to be in touch with Bihar police who are helping our elders, their statements are being taken to file fir against those miscreants. @officecmbihar
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 11, 2023
This is not the first time that people from the Northeastern states have faced such incidents of harassment and discrimination while travelling through other parts of India. Students from the Northeastern states studying in various parts of India have often reported incidents of racial discrimination, verbal abuse, and physical assault.
Such incidents not only cause physical harm but also have a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of the victims. They also create a sense of fear and insecurity among people from the Northeastern states, who already face several challenges in adapting to a new environment outside their home state.
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To address this issue, there is an urgent need for greater awareness and sensitivity toward the people from the Northeastern states. It is essential to create an environment of respect and acceptance, where people from all parts of India can coexist peacefully.
The government also needs to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of people from the Northeastern states. This could include setting up dedicated helplines and support services for victims of racial discrimination, as well as sensitizing law enforcement agencies and railway authorities to the issue.
Overall, incidents of racial discrimination and harassment faced by people from the Northeastern states are a matter of concern for the entire country. It is time for us to come together and work towards creating a more inclusive and harmonious society, where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
