Centre must Ensure that NE Students don't become Victims of Racism: North-East Forum for International Solidarity

Guwahati, April 21, 2020:

Making an appeal to the Centre, the North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has said that the Northeast Indian people stranded in other parts must be protected against racial discrimination. The body has also called upon the Centre to ensure that the Northeast Indians are helped financially as they are stranded in various cities during the lockdown.

The body said that the lockdown has not only led to many instances of discrimination and racism across the country, but has left the Northeast people without any source of income and subsistence. Thus, the body added, many are having to go hungry due with the loss of jobs amid lockdown.

ALSO READ: 2 More COVID-19 Testing Machines Activated in NEIGRHIMS, Shillong

"The situation has compounded with the rise in racist attacks against the NE people since the COVID-19 pandemic", the body said, adding that "coronavirus" is being used as a slur against NE Indians. They have said that these should be stopped.

The body said that the NE people must be helped financially and they must also be protected against racism. "Taking cognizance of the prevailing atmosphere in the country, the North-East therefore calls upon the Central Government to provide financial help and essentials to the people of Northeast." The NEFIS has also demanded the Central Government should compulsorily ensure that the NE people do not become victims of racial abuse and discrimination under the pretext of implementation of lockdown measures.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.