National People’s Youth Front has sought stronger safeguards after the alleged assault at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Gorakhpur and racial harassment in Delhi.
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DIMAPUR — The National People’s Youth Front (NPYF), Nagaland State Unit, has called for stronger security mechanisms, strict enforcement of laws against sexual harassment and racial discrimination, and the creation of a dedicated grievance redressal and protection mechanism for Northeastern citizens in metropolitan cities, following two recent incidents targeting women from the region.
In a press release on Tuesday, the youth wing of the National People’s Party (NPP) urged authorities to ensure swift arrests, impartial investigation and exemplary punishment in both cases. It also demanded sensitisation programmes to address racial bias against Northeastern communities and enhanced security around educational and medical institutions.
The demands come in the wake of an alleged sexual assault on a third-year resident doctor from Nagaland at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Gorakhpur, on February 22. According to the release, the doctor was allegedly followed for nearly 1.5 kilometres by three miscreants who passed obscene comments and hurled racial slurs targeting her Northeastern identity. Near AIIMS Gate No. 2, one of the accused allegedly attempted to intimidate her and later engaged in inappropriate physical contact before fleeing when she raised an alarm. An FIR has been registered and four police teams are reportedly working to apprehend the accused.
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The NPYF also referred to a recent incident in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, where three young women from Arunachal Pradesh were allegedly subjected to derogatory racial remarks and harassment.
Describing the incidents as reflective of a “worrying pattern of prejudice and discrimination” against citizens from the Northeast, particularly women living, studying and working outside the region, the NPYF said such acts represent a serious failure to ensure the safety, dignity and equality guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
While acknowledging that law enforcement agencies have initiated action in the Gorakhpur case, the organisation stressed that justice must be delivered promptly to restore confidence among the Northeastern community across the country.
The NPYF expressed solidarity with the resident doctor and the three women in Delhi, stating that their safety must be prioritised. It further urged the Centre and the concerned state governments to treat the incidents with seriousness and ensure that such acts are not repeated.
“The safety of women and the dignity of Northeastern citizens are non-negotiable,” the release stated, adding that the organisation will continue to monitor developments closely.