Shillong, Feb 23: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today strongly condemned the recent incident of racist slurs directed at tenants from Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi, terming the episode “truly unfortunate” and “completely unacceptable in today’s world.”
Reacting to the incident that has triggered outrage across the North East, Sangma said the language, words and body language reportedly used against the Arunachali citizens were deeply disturbing and had no place in a diverse country like India.
“The kind of language that was used and the way it was put is very sad and completely unacceptable,” the CM said, adding that such behaviour undermines the collective progress of the nation. “As a state, as a region, as a country, as we are working towards moving forward together, these kinds of statements and behaviour only put us back two steps.”
Emphasising the need for mutual respect in a pluralistic society, Sangma said there could be no excuse for racism or discrimination. He noted that while condemning the incident, society at large must also introspect and practise the values it advocates.
“In a diverse nation like India, we need to respect each other. We must practise what we preach. This has to be universal — whether citizens are from the rest of the country or from the North East region or from wherever — without respect and dignity for others, there is no way we will see our country progress the way we want it to,” he said.
The chief minister appealed to political and community leaders in Delhi to take serious steps to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. He also called for greater awareness programmes to address prejudice and ignorance that often fuel such behaviour.
Reiterating his solidarity with the victims, Sangma assured that the Meghalaya government stands firmly with the women from Arunachal Pradesh who faced the alleged abuse. “From our side, whatever we can do to support our sisters from Arunachal Pradesh, we are always there. I am always there. Whenever necessary, we will take up the matter at the highest level,” he stated.
A minor disagreement over the installation of an air conditioner resulted in a husband-wife couple hurling racial epithets at three Arunachali women in New Delhi, a confrontation that did not stop even after the arrival of a policeman. Most of this was captured on video, with some of the comments claiming that the three Arunachalis were engaged in sex work and that North Easterners are illiterate. Threats of violence were also made.
