NPMHR seeks PM's intervention

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR, Mar 31: The Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, Delhi (NPMHR-Delhi) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene into the "reported cases of racial profiling" and discrimination against the people from the Northeast region.
 "As India and the world fight against COVID-19, there are widespread reported cases of racial profi- ling, violence and discrimination perpetrated against people from the Northeast region living and working in different cities of India," said the NPMHR-Delhi in its letter to the Prime Minister.
According to the NPMHR-Delhi, many other cases go unreported. It also pointed out that the rise of cases of racism has caused fear and insecurity to Northeast people, in addition to collective fear of corona-virus. "People, especially wo- men from the region living in different cities are fearful of venturing out even around their immediate localities to buy daily essentials," said the NPMHR letter to the Prime Minister.
The fear and insecurity are compounded by the uncertainties surrounding em- ployment and livelihood due to the necessary lock-down, it also said. Students and people working in the unorganized sectors who make up most of the Northeast population in the cities are deeply affected, it added.
"In this state of emergency and humanitarian crisis, we appeal to you for stringent action against any form of racism towards people from the Northeast, anywhere in India," the NPMHR-Delhi said.
It also urged the Prime Minister to protect the tenants from the Northeast from eviction and harassment by landlords in cities across India.
 The NPMHR-Delhi then urged the Prime Minister to set up "shelter centres" in different cities for stranded Northeast people.
Finally, the Naga rights body said that there should be concessions on all forms of rent for Northeast students, non-working and vulnerable populations.
"We hope and pray that, a difficult time like this will not deter your unwavering support to Northeast people so far, and we would like to believe that your leadership will help in stopping racism in this hour of crisis," the NPMHR-Delhi said in its letter.