The recent brutal death of 19 years old Nido Tania from Arunachal Pradesh has once again sparked outraged among the entire North East community. This is hardly the first fatal consequence of racial discrimination of the people of the North East in the mainland. In fact, every single person who has or is residing in Delhi has been, in one way or other, a victim of racism. Whether it is in the form of verbal slurs, mistreatment or scuffles, no one has been spared from this racial profiling.
Standing in solidarity with the rest of the region, Nagaland has vehemently condemned the death of Tania with local dailies religiously following the turn of events and many young people taking to various social networking sites and blogs to express their anger and resentment. However, these instances should also serve as a reflection of our attitude and actions towards mainland Indians in our Nagaland State. Can we honestly say that we have not in any way, mistreated or discriminated them in our own community? In any given place the superior majority always has an upper hand on the minority which often results in mistreatment and discrimination, giving way to racism. We must question ourselves whether we are also consciously or unconsciously a part of the ‘big picture’ of racism? Things might not have gotten out of hand but our everyday attitude and demeanor towards the non-locals cannot really be passed off as being ‘polite’ or ‘respectful’. We must rise above the social structures that exist and respect the other person’s individuality irrespective of their origin, looks or status in society.
“Racism has existed throughout human history; it has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations and legal codes,” quotes Anti Defamation League, an international NGO to secure justice and fair treatment to all. In light of the rampant racial issues in the country, especially concerning the North East people, the Indian government should take stock of the issue from its root. Inclusion of at least a chapter on the North East, its people, culture and tradition in the school syllabus will instill within young mainland Indians a sense of belonging from their formative years.
Cultural exchange programs and student exchange programs will help in building relationships and respect for each other’s culture and ethnicity. However, with that been said, text books, cultural programs, ‘special cells’ for North East people can only go so far. No amount of sensitization or awareness campaigns can help unless there is a deeper understanding which can only come from within an individual. An understanding of mutual respect for each other’s ‘identity’, which transcends race, caste and creed. Only then can we break free from the shackles of racism that bind us.
