The issue of racial discrimination against people from the north eastern region in mainland India, especially in the metropolitan cities must be considered as a grave national issue. The country cannot remain a quiet and silent spectator anymore. All these signs of symbolism and politically correct statements being made by the netas and babus have no meaning when people from the north east continue to face abuse, assault, discrimination, physical attacks and even death, every day and every hour. It is sad to witness tragedy after tragedy unfolding where legitimate citizens of this country are being treated as enemies. The country has to wake up to the fact that, in our own land, our citizens are being made to feel like foreign nationals. When its own citizens are made to feel like second class citizens, the idea of India, as envisaged in the constitution, is not being achieved. How can citizens pursue their aspirations when they know for certain that they are not safe in their own country? How can they have quality of life, leave alone contribute towards the nation building process? The other day the National Security Advisor, who is considered as the Prime Minister’s pointsman, assured the region that every citizen of the north east is an asset for the nation. The statement is welcome and appreciated but the crux of the matter is that our people need to feel secure and safe in reality. When this safety is not assured even in their homes and apartments, how will we feel safe on the streets and in the working environment? There is no denying that the Government must act. The Centre must table the Bezbaruah Report and take a decision on it. The GoI must understand that this report has been prepared after intense consultations with cross sections of society including civil societies and mass based organisations and therefore it has the mandate of the people. It is also time for the country to consider an anti-racial law. This is the need of the hour as times continue to change and the nation is being attacked by though an attitude and a mindset that is unacceptable to humanity and to our nationhood. India must celebrate its diversity but this is not possible if we continue to be racist. It is time for the nation, especially the leaders, policy makers, policy implementers and custodians of the constitution to reassure the citizens of the country and win back the trust of the north eastern people. The country must realise that the perpetrators of racist hate crimes and those with racial attitude are the real enemies of the nation and the hurdles of this idea called India.
