Shillong, Mar 30: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has urged the central government to take immediate action to combat racism and enact a comprehensive national anti-discrimination law.
The union, in a memorandum to Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar called for critical step to address the alarming rise of discrimination faced by the people of Northeast India across the nation.
The JSU expressed concern that incidents of racial discrimination, harassment, and violence against Northeast citizens continue to be reported extensively, citing examples such as the tragic case of Nido Tania, the injustices faced by Angel Chakma and the racial abuse endured by three women from Arunachal Pradesh.
“These are not isolated incidents, but reflections of a larger, systemic issue that demands urgent national attention,” the union added.
“Our proposal for a national anti-discrimination law includes specific provisions that address verbal and physical abuse motivated by racial hatred, suggesting prison sentences that range from 6 months to life imprisonment based on the severity of the offense,” JSU Adviser A. Suchiang said.
He said that such a law will not only act as a deterrent but will also send a strong message that discrimination and racism have no place in our diverse and democratic nation.
