Our respect and appreciation to you all for the leadership shown during this critical time and proactively working towards combating and controlling the spread of Covid-19 in the region.
At this juncture, people hailing from the Northeast who have migrated outside the region face particular vulnerabilities. The recent surge in racial profiling, violence, and discrimination being reported from different cities of India has put our people at higher risk of not just a food and livelihood crisis, but also of safety and security.
The Janta curfew and subsequent lockdown for 21 days is causing immense hardships for our students, unemployed and workers in the unorganised sectors. Our experience in dealing with distress calls since the lockdown informs us that their struggle is not only about access to food but also other basic needs like toiletries, gas, detergents. There is also much uncertainty regarding rent payment and other bills, accommodation, jobs and income security. We are concerned that if left unattended, it will impact the people from the region severely.
Many of our people are also expected to return home once the current lockdown is lifted. They cannot be coerced to remain where they are, especially the most vulnerable. Situations like this require the States for collaborated and coordinated actions.
In this state of emergency and humanitarian crisis, we appeal to you for;