NMSA, DNSU and LMFN condemn the racial and sexual assault on a Naga doctor at AIIMS Gorakhpur and demand strict action against the perpetrators.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA), Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU), and Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN) have condemned the racial discrimination and sexual assault on a Naga doctor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
NMSA: The NMSA expressed its deepest anguish and unequivocal condemnation of the incident involving a third-year postgraduate resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The incident occurred on February 22.
The association stated that at approximately 8 pm, the doctor was returning to the campus when she was allegedly followed for over 1.5 kilometres by three individuals who hurled obscene remarks and racial slurs. Near Gate No. 2 of AIIMS Gorakhpur, one of the accused allegedly removed his shirt to intimidate her, while another reportedly touched her inappropriately. The victim raised an alarm, following which the accused fled.
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Terming the act "profoundly disturbing and wholly unacceptable", the NMSA reiterated its position of zero tolerance towards crimes involving racial discrimination and sexual assault. While acknowledging the arrest of two accused, it expressed concern that the principal perpetrator remained at large.
The NMSA appealed to the Government of Nagaland to take up the matter with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and urged for the immediate apprehension of all accused.
DNSU: The DNSU also vehemently condemned the assault on the resident doctor. It noted that the victim was reportedly stalked from Orion Mall and subjected to racial slurs, physical assault, and molestation.
The DNSU stated that this incident is not isolated, as people from the Northeast routinely face racial abuse across India. It appealed to the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre to enact stringent laws, including specific anti-racial discrimination legislation with enhanced penalties under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It also called for mandatory sensitivity training for police and fast-track courts.
LMFN: The LMFN, too, condemned the racial and physical assault. Bishnu Bhattacharjee, Chairman of LMFN, stated that such acts of hatred and discrimination have no place in India. He demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable and justice be delivered swiftly.
“Racism is unacceptable, and violence against anyone because of their identity is intolerable. India must be a safe and inclusive society for all,” Bhattacharjee added.