NE Disconnect

What is happening in some parts of the country where people from the Northeast region are being targeted apparently in retaliation against the alleged ill treatment meted out to Muslims in Assam and Myanmar is a cause of concern not just for the immediate but for the long-term peaceful co-existence. While it is true that violence in whatever form, has been taking place between people of different race and religion, does this mean that we blindly retaliate without realizing the dangerous consequences, which may only worsen the situation. More hate and intolerance is certainly not the answer if we want to live in peace and harmony. The present situation is indeed delicate and will require both the Centre and the State governments to ensure the life and security of the vulnerable section i.e. those who have been affected whether it is in Assam or say in Pune, Bangalore etc. The misunderstanding between two groups of people, say in Assam, which may have led to killings on both sides needs to be resolved through perhaps a healing touch. But targeted attack against whosoever it may be is not the answer. Extremist elements on either side of the divide should not be allowed to disturb communal harmony. As far as the State machinery is concerned, whether it is attack on Hindus, Muslims or Christians or people from NE region as is the latest case, government action must be affirmative i.e. to establish the rule of law, protect its citizens and deliver justice as the case may be.


The treatment meted out to NE people because they look ‘chinki’ and appear to be different, this is perhaps another opportune time to create national awareness that the Seven Sister States including Sikkim is very much part of India. But one is left to wonder as to why even after more than 60 years of India’s Independence, mainstream India including the political establishment continue to treat the NE region as almost outsiders. Just take the case of the Prime Minister’s address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day 2012. It is shocking to read (please refer to the full text of the PM’s speech) that the honourable PM has just one sentence devoted to the region. And this is just the customary negative reference: “There has been a reduction in violence in the North Eastern States and we are engaged in dialogue with many groups there so that they can join the mainstream of development”. Yes there is a small paragraph of around five sentences, which perhaps the PM was compelled to include in his speech, referring to the incidents of violence in Assam. So if even the PM is so insensitive to the needs and concern of the NE region what can we expect from ordinary Indian citizens. It just goes to show the big disconnect there is between India and the Northeast. The region is heard, seen or read about only when negative things like violence and killing take place. The PM has proved this by his latest Independence Day speech. Sad but true, Delhi is too far off in the horizon to lend a succor.



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