By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 24: The now-infamous incident of alleged racial abuse faced by three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi has drawn strong reaction from Meghalaya with the BJP Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Morcha urging authorities to take urgent steps to ensure the safety and dignity of people from the Northeast residing in different parts of the country.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, BJP Meghalaya Mahila Morcha president Arena Hynniewta, said that a letter has been sent to Mahila Morcha leaders and authorities in Delhi seeking immediate action to prevent discrimination and harassment against citizens from the region.
Hynniewta said the incident reflects the continuing challenges faced by students and residents from the Northeast outside the region. She stressed that while citizens have the constitutional right to work and study anywhere in India, their safety and dignity must be protected at all times.
She added that such incidents weaken the confidence of people from the Northeast and called on the authorities to take proactive measures to safeguard their rights and well-being. According to her, the Mahila Morcha will continue to raise awareness and push for stronger protection mechanisms for residents from the region.
Meanwhile, Hynniewta also addressed the recent statement made by former BJP national secretary Sunil Deodhar regarding religious conversion in Meghalaya, stating that the remarks were incorrect.
She said leaders visiting the state should refrain from making statements related to religious matters and instead focus on issues concerning the state’s development and public welfare. Hynniewta noted that the statement could have been a misunderstanding, as Deodhar may not be fluent in the Khasi language. However, she clarified that if the remarks were accurately reported, she personally opposes such views.
She further informed that the organisation will send a formal communication to Deodhar seeking clarification on the matter.
Mahila Cong’s condemnation
The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) has condemned the recurring incidents of racism and discrimination faced by people from the Northeast across India.
In a statement on Tuesday, MPMC president Joplyn Scott Shylla said it is “deeply painful and unacceptable” that citizens from the region are still subjected to racial harassment, exclusion, and violence within their own country. She described such acts as an insult to the constitutional equality and diversity that defines India.
Shylla noted that the Northeast is a proud part of the nation, with its people contributing significantly to fields such as sports, education, culture, and public service. Racism against them, she added, is an affront to the entire country.
The MPMC demanded that the Centre take immediate and strict action against those responsible for racist behaviour. The organisation called for stronger legal enforcement and exemplary punishment to prevent future incidents.
It also urged authorities to ensure the effective implementation of laws protecting North East citizens from discrimination and hate crimes, reiterating that India belongs equally to all its citizens.
