Dimapur, November 6 (MExN): The North East Community Organization Pune (NECOP) and the Manipur Students’ Association Pune (MSAP) have jointly expressed deep concern over the persistent racism, social discrimination, and safety challenges encountered by individuals from North East India residing in Pune.
In a joint press statement issued on November 6, the organizations noted that while the North East region is globally celebrated for its warm hospitality, community members continue to face exclusion and prejudice within their own country. Residents are frequently subjected to racial bias driven by their physical appearance, cultural practices, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices.
Highlighting specific vulnerabilities, the statement drew attention to the safety and dignity of residents from the region:
It maintained that North Eastern women face heightened vulnerability due to racial profiling, encountering severe restrictions on personal freedom, continuous public scrutiny, as well as visual and physical harassment in public spaces.
At the same time, it stated that men from the region routinely deal with verbal abuse, racial slurs, and physical harassment.
Likewise, it asserted that recurring episodes of discrimination leave community members feeling isolated and unsafe in their daily lives, despite India's founding principle of "unity in diversity."
Although Pune is widely recognized as a premier educational and professional hub that attracts thousands of young individuals seeking better opportunities, the student bodies emphasized that the prevailing social climate often makes North Eastern students and residents feel alienated and unwelcome.
The organizations appealed to civil society, educational institutions, local authorities, and the general public to foster genuine inclusivity, dismantle racial stereotypes, and safeguard a respectful environment for all citizens.
