DIMAPUR, October 21 (MExN): A North East Support Centre and Helpline has been launched in a joint initiative by social activists, lawyers, student organisations and journalists to extend help when required and take measures to preventing harassment and abuse meted to students and young workers from North East India employed in the National Capital Region.
The Support Centre and Help-line’s official launch out program at the Press Club of India today was graced by Rev. Valson Thampu, Principal, St. Stephen College, Dr. John Dayal, Member, National Integration Council, Dr. Udit Raj, Chairman, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations, Mr. Pushpendra Kulshrestha, Secretary General, Press Club of India, and several political and civil dignitaries from the North Eastern states, informed Ms. Lansinglu Rongmei President and Mr. Madhu Chandra, Media Secretary in a press note received here.
The need for a NE Support Centre & Helpline has arisen because of the phenomenal rise in the number of young people coming to the national Capital and other cities in this region in search of Higher education, Professional Training and Employment. The massive increase in the retail trade and new businesses offers an attractive opportunity to the hard working youth of the now Eight Sisters states.
However, there are several issues that have also arisen, it stated pointing out that there have been instances of harassment at the work place, in the market place and in public transport systems. “There is need for sensitizing the Police and the authorities to these issues. The victims need immediate assistance, legal aid and counseling. Above all, they need an immediate response. This is what the Support Centre and Helpline proposes to do with the assistance of volunteers, NGOs and the existing Student groups from this region”. It was informed that the Support Centre and Helpline will also respond to emergencies affecting anyone else, including youth and working women from other Tribal Communities.
Dr. John Dayal along with former Member of Parliament from Nagaland, Asangba Sangtam and Mr. Madhu Chandra, Regional Secretary of All India Christian Council, had met with Delhi Police Commissioner Mr. Y. S. Dadwal, IPS, in August this year and submitted a memorandum on the harassment of North East people living in Delhi.
SC ST Confederation Chief Dr. Udit Raj extended support to North East people and criticized the Police singling out the North east people in Delhi by seeking to define their dress modes and food preferences. NE Support Centre & Helpline is supported by All India Christian Council, All India Catholic Union, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, United Christian Action and North East Students’ United Forum Delhi.
(The NE Support Centre and Helpline can be reached at 9868184939, 9818314146, 9868157066, and 9810554901. Helpline can be contacted at nesupportcentre@gmail.com and information will be made available at www.nesupportcentre.blogspot.com) .
