Editor,
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir was a horrific act of violence and must be unquestionably condemned by all. Targeting civilians is inexcusable, and I commend the Indian government for its swift action in countering the terrorists responsible for these killings.
But what saddens me most is the stark difference in the response of the government when tragedies like these take place in the Northeast. Repeatedly, justice is postponed or even denied. The 2021 Nagaland Oting massacre when 13 innocent civilians were shot dead by security personnel and the government refused to go ahead with any criminal proceedings against them. The 2022 Meghalaya Mukroh firing when six civilians were killed by Assam police and the continued Manipur conflict also bring to light this trend of apathy. There have been numerous atrocities perpetrated by the Indian armed forces in the North East region in the past, but until now, in the majority of instances, the victims have not yet seen justice.
This trend of differential treatment is a basic challenge to our commitment to equality before law. Can we seriously say we are one nation when the devaluation of human life seems to depend on where you are? The Constitution provides equal protection to all citizens, yet these differences imply that some Indians are more equal than others.
I appeal to the Indian government to drop this discriminatory policy and maintain equal rights for all citizens, regardless of race, religion, or region. Pain has no majority or minority; it is felt the same by everyone. The country needs to insist on consistent accountability and fairness in the quest for justice.
Carmel Fedrick Malngiang
Sohra
Via-email
