KSOD MEET 2013

 Kuki Students Organisation 
Delhi & NCR

Chief Guest: Shri Oscar Fernandes

Miss & Mr KSO Delhi

Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi

💚💙💘💓

ZORO PRESS STATEMENT

ESTD 1988

ZO RE-UNIFICATION ORGANISATION (ZORO)

General Headquarters: Zoram

Treasury Square, Aizawl -796001

(Affialiated under:United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues(UNPFII)

& Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) since 2004

           

PRESS RELEASE

6^th September 2013

                

ZO REUNIFICATIO ORGANISATION (ZoRO) hi 'First World Zomi Convention' tia vuahin Manipur Churrachandpur District  chhunga  Political Party pakhat 'ZOMI NATIONAL CONGRESS(ZNC)leh Mizorama Political Party pakhat Peoples Conference (PC)India hnuaia awmte bul tum leh buatsaihin bial hrang hranga Zo hnam peng hrang hrang te koh khawm a ni a. He in kohkhawm hi 1^st World Zomi Convention tia vuah a ni a, Zo khawpui Champhai, Mizoramah May ni 19, 20, 21, 1988-ah inkhawmpui hi neih a ni. Inkhawmpui neih lai May Ni 20 ni hian Pu C.Chawngkunga Ex.Minister Pa te Leilet-Thlam,Sikul atana an hman lai ah a hming tur hi rei tak sawiho a ni a, Zomi  nge hman tur Mizo  tih ngaihtuah a ni a. Mi tih tel ve kher lo Zotung, Zophei, Bawmzo, leh Jo leh a dang dangte ngaihtuah chungin 'ZO'tih hi nisela,a bul leh tawpa belhin min tibuai lo se, pawl hming atan chuan'ZO'tih hi hman ni rawh se tia khaikhawm a ni ta a ni. He pawl hi Loose Political Forum a nih dawn avangin NGO style lam hawiin 'ZO RE-UNIFICATION ORGANISATION' tia a hming vuahin din a ni ta a ni. Hruaitu hmasa te chu:

Chairman          :              Brig.T. Sailo (Ex Chief Minister)

Vice Chairman:               1) Pu T.Gogin (Ex Minister)

                                      2) Pu C. Chawngkunga (Ex Minister)

Secretary Generals       : 1) Pu Thangkhan Gin Ngaihte

                                      2) Pu Lalhmingthanga (Ex Minister)

            Tichuan,a tum ber anga lang thupui 'Slogan' tarlan turah chuan RE-UNIFICATION WITHIN INDIA tih hman ni se tia rel a ni bawk. Hei hi India Danpui hnuaia awm Politicl Party te tan chuan thu tihtluk san theih ber a ni reng a ni.

            Mizoram leh Manipur State party te bul tuma buatsaih a nih avangin a hruaitu atan pawh Party hruaituten an chelh kawp rih mai a. 1989-ah beisei loh taka inthlanpui a lo awm tak thut avangin Party pakhat hruaitute chuan ZoRO Volunteers te chu hmanruaah an hmang ta a, hnampum thil ni si Party pakhatin hetianga an hmang ta hi mipuiin an hrethiam ta lova, inthlannaah an tlin phah  chuang bawk lo a. Inthlan  zawhah chuan a nihna ang tur tak NGO anga kal chu 1990-ah rel tluk a lo ni leh ta a ni., A tira hruaitu: President leh Vice President te leh Secretary General te chu Party lama awm an duh zawk tak avang leh Party pawhin party chhuahsan lo tura an duh bawk avangin Party lamah an bet ta hlawm a. NGO a nihna ang taka kal tur leh a kalhmang thar tur te buaitsaih turin Treasurer atana thlan Pu R. Thangmawia hovin 2^nd World Zo Re-Unification Organisation Convention (ZoRO) chu July 1991-ah koh a ni leh ta a ni. 2^nd World Convention chuan hruaitu an thlang a, hruaitu an thlan chhuah te chu  Chairman:Pu R.Thangmawia, Vice Chairman –Pu Tlangchhunga (Ex MLA), Treasurer - Pu Zalianchhunga, Secretary General- Dr. H. Thanglawra te an ni.

            2^nd World Zo Reunification Organisation Convention hian 1^st World Zomi Convention-in'Zo Reunification Organisation'a din hmangin a slogan tur a ti danglam ta a, International thu leh hla rem turin 'Reunification in Conformity with the Chin-Lushai Conference 1892 Resolution' tia thlak a lo ni ta a ni. Tichuan, hruaitu thlanchhuah tharte chuan International thlenga hma lain vawiin thleng hian a la kal chho ta zel a ni.

            Hetiang hian Zo Reunification Organisation General Headquarters chu United Nations Session buatsaihah te pawh 1999 atanga tun thlengin a tel chho ve ta zel a, Hnam pum huapin ZoRO,GHQ chuan hma a la chho ta zel a. Tunah pawh kumin March thlaa alo rel tawh angin Northern Zone bik tan October Ni 24, 2013, hian UN Day Celebration ni pahfawmin, Moreh, Chandel District, Manipur-ah Conference nei turin a inbuatsaih chho mek a ni. He Conference-a tel tur hian a huap theih chhunga mite leh a chhim thei mi tu pawh ZoRO, General Headquarters chuan a sawm vek e.

Sd/-

(R. LALCHHUANA)

General Secretary

Two Manipuri Students Drown at Sweet Falls, Shillong

Shillong, 6 September 2013: Two students from Manipur, S. Thangliankhual (23) @ Khual Ngaihte, and Michael L. Thangchimang @ Michael Ngaihte, drowned in a tragic accident at Sweet Falls, Shillong, on 2 September 2013.

According to reports, the students, who hailed from Lamka, Churachandpur district, were returning from a picnic with friends when their ball fell into the waterfall. Michael went down to retrieve it but was caught in the strong water current. In an attempt to save him, Khual Ngaihte also entered the water but was swept away.

A search operation involving around 60 people was launched at the site, with efforts continuing through the night and into the following days.

Michael Ngaihte’s body was recovered after several hours. However, the search for Khual Ngaihte lasted four nights and three days. His body was found floating in the water at approximately 8 a.m. yesterday.

Khual Ngaihte was a third-year BSc student at Shillong College, while Michael Ngaihte was studying in Class XI (Commerce) at H. Elias Memorial Higher Secondary School, Nongshilliang, Shillong. Both students lived in the same hostel.

Sweet Falls is a popular tourist attraction in Meghalaya but is also notorious for frequent accidents and fatalities.

Myth: Solung Festival Celebrated in New Delhi

 The Myth of Solung

On the night of August 24th, 2013, Arunachalees—both young and old—gathered at Arunachal Bhawan in New Delhi to celebrate the vibrant “Solung” festival. The event was hosted by Mr. Ninong Ering, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Arunachal Pradesh, who also served as the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs at the time.

The evening was filled with cultural performances that brought the beauty and richness of the Adi culture to life. The program was skillfully compered by two young Adis: Miss Sunny Tayeng, an MSc Chemistry student at Delhi University, and Mr. Kaling Darung, a PhD candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The night brimmed with cultural pride and joy.

Many prominent politicians and bureaucrats from Arunachal Pradesh attended the festival, including Mr. Chownamein, the Minister of Finance (PWD); Mr. Huzer Lolen IAS, Secretary of the Jal Board in Delhi; Mr. Bolung Siram IAS; Mr. T. Taloh IAS; Mr. Chuku Apa IPS; Mr. Apur Bitin IPS; Dr. Thokchom Meinya, MP from Manipur; Mr. Takam Sanjoy MP (Secretary, North East MP Forum); and Mr. Ninong Ering, the gracious host.

The Myth Behind Solung

Solung is the central festival of the Adi tribe, a manifestation of their deep cultural and spiritual beliefs. According to tradition, the Adis were instructed by Kine Nane, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, to perform the Solung festival.

As per Adi legend, Doying Bote, the god of knowledge and the creator of humans (Tani), became infatuated with Kine Nane. When he was about to consummate his desire, two monstrous beings—Totel Mone and Dubeng Mone—interrupted and castrated him, scattering his divine sperm across the land. From this seed, paddy plants sprouted. Kine Nane, seeing humans suffering from hunger, sent paddy seeds through a dog to provide them with sustenance. Since then, humans have cultivated paddy to meet their needs.

The Adis also believe that Dadi Bote, another deity, is the creator of animals like mithuns and pigs, essential for their livelihood. Offerings called Agam Kepel are made to appease Dadi Bote. During the Solung festival, the Adi people seek to please both Dadi Bote and Kine Nane. If they succeed, it is believed that Doying Bote will manifest as clouds and rain, while Kine Nane will bless the land with fertile soil. Together, their union ensures abundant crops, more livestock, and prosperity for all.

The Festival's Rituals

Solung is celebrated over five days.

• Day 1: Solung Gidi Dogin, the day of preparation.
• Day 2: Doreph Longe, the main day of animal sacrifice.
• Day 3: Binnayat Binam, a day of worship dedicated to the goddess of plenty and prosperity.
• Day 4: Yaktor or Ekoph, when villagers prepare bows, arrows, and weapons.
• Day 5: The Miri, or village priest, is ceremonially sent off with singing and dancing, marking the end of the festival.

Throughout the festival, the Miri sings the Solung Abang, narrating the stories of the origins of humans, animals, and plants. Solung is celebrated not just for a good harvest but also to ensure an abundance of animals and protection from calamities, accidents, and diseases.

Symbolism and Final Ritual

The final part of the celebration, known as Ekop Taktor, involves erecting a symbolic bow and arrow at the entrance of each house to protect against evil spirits. Families offer prayers to Doying Bote, the wise and benevolent god, and Gumin Soyin, the family guardian god.

The Miri's chants, or Ponung, recount Tani's struggle against evil, guided and blessed by Doying Bote and Gumin Soyin. With their help, Tani is said to have established a settled family and social life.

Through centuries, the Adi people have preserved the legacy of Solung, celebrating it as a time of unity, peace, and prosperity. The festival serves as a reminder of their rich cultural heritage, echoing the values of love and togetherness. The 2013 celebration concluded on a high note with a sumptuous feast, marking the end of a truly auspicious night.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal 

Godly man "Asaram" slept with young girls daily

Ahmedabad, Sept 5, 2013:  In a starling accusation, a former close aide of self-styled godman Asaram claims the controversial spiritual guru has built three ashrams across India for women, who are no more than his "keep". 

"Apart from these, he also keeps many women in separate rooms built in each ashram. Though old, Asaram needs young girls in the age group of 15 to 25 daily. He may not touch the same woman for a year, as he needs a new girl every time," says Amrut Prajapati, who worked as a technical officer of the Ayurvedic division at Asaram's Motera ashram for 12 long years. 

Prajapati further claimed that women are killed if they try to resist the godman's advances. "These women were then shown to have committed suicide. There must be an inquiry on how many men or women have committed suicides in his ashrams or how many dead bodies were found in the river behind his Motera ashram," alleged Prajapati. 

"One day, I was allowed to see him (Asaram) inside his private room, as he was severely ill. Since the guards knew me well, I went straight to his room and found Asaram in a compromising position with a 25-year-old girl, who used to stay in the ashram. This was the turning point for me," said Prajapati.

[Courtesy: Dailybhaskar.com]

Oscar Fernandes, Ibobi Singh to attend 3rd World Zomi Convention

Lamka, Manipur, September 5, 2013

With an aim to bring awareness, the Zomis or the Zo people settling at various parts around the globe will converge at the 3rd World Zomi Convention at Lamka, Churachandpur District, Manipur between the 25th -27th of Oct. 2013 under the theme, "…marching on…" and then reason together on the means to be followed in order to make them stand more united in the face of the challenges generated by technological advancement, said a press statement issued by Paulianmung, Coordinator, Information & Publicity Dept. 

The statement said Union Minister of Surface Transport Oscar Fernandes, Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh and his Cabinet Members including those of the MLAs/Ministers and high ranking officials from the Zo descendants have confirmed their participation as Chief Guest and in various other capacities.

As decades of tireless efforts put in by patriotic-socio-political leaders among the Zo People gain momentum, the 1st World Zomi Convention was made possible to take place at Champhai in Mizoram, India, between May 19th – 21st 1988. Three years later, on June 17th – 18th 1991, it was, for the Second time organized at Vanapa Hall at Aizawl. However, the visions of the great leaders are yet to be realized and much is needed to be done in this respect.

The programme will get started from Lamka Public Ground, Hiangtam Lamka and winded up there in a grand concluding function. During observation of the programme, various cultural dances will be showcased by troops of various tribes in addition to another item of cultural exchanges programme which will be participated by troupes of various tribes and communities. A fellowship under the theme, "Be a Blessed Nation", will be held during the night at selected churches and another interesting features of the convention will be the singing of a "Halleluijah Chorus" in unison by a conglomerate of selected choir singers from various churches. On top of that, a seminar under various topics will be conducted by scholars and intellectuals who have a vast knowledge in the field at YPA Hall, Hiangtam Lamka.

During the convention a traditional heritage house will be set up and inside it a different traditional costumes, clothes and other wearing in addition to traditional tools and implements of the Zo people will be deposited and displayed. This is done with an aim to make the Zo descendants realise of their pristine traditions and glory and thereby drawing them closer to each other. This is the motive behind the observations of 3rd World Zomi Convention, the statement added.

UZO Fort Wayne in Indo-Burma Zo Seminar sponsor ding

USA ah Zo International Convention 2014 um ding

Fort Wayne (US), Sept 4:  August 31, 2013 ni’n UZO Fort Wayne meeting thupuasah khenkaht mipi thei di’a kilawm chi’n United Zo Organization of Fort Wayne in internet tungtawn in tahlang. UZO-USA in a na pat Indo-Burma Pu Zo suante seminar khat vei zop tou kia ding in kithukim a, 2014 kum bul lam a zop tou kia ding in thupuahna nei uhi. Indo-Burma seminar ah main topic ding in “Identity issue” hi ding a UZO Fort Wayne in sponsor bawl ding chi zong thukimna nei uhi.

UZO Fort Wayne in a tahlangna ah Zo International Convention 2014 kum sung a bawl teitei ding in kithu kim ua. Zo International Convention ah USA, India, Burma leh mun tuomtuom pan mi muonhuoite USA ah kimutuo sah ding chi ngimna ahi chi uhi. India lam pan mi muonhuoi-te toh kithuzah di’ng Thang Za Bawi leh Thian Biak Lun mawpuohna pie ua, Burma lam pan a mi muonhuoite toh kizom ding in Dr Pau Cin En leh Mang Lian Hau mawpuohna guon uhi. Tami Zo International Convention ah main topic identity issue leh pilna lam toh kisai, khantou theina ding thu dangdang zong hiding a, UZO Fort Wayne in sponsor bawl ding chi’n kithukimna nei uhi.

UZO Fort Wayne in lei tung mun tuomtuom Pu Zo suon sung pan PhD candidate khat poupou, a ki sap na dung zui in hi theina zaza toh panpi ding in kithukim lai uhi chi.

Thu dang khat ah, Burma zong democracy lam huilan dan hoitou zel in sil tampi kikheng hulhul in muh thei hi. Kawlgam lam UZO ta chi thu muonhuoi apat kiza hi. Khampat (1) UZO President Rev. Go Za Suum apat thu kimu dan in zaangdung lam a UZO pienni te: 29th Jan 2013 Kalay Block UZO President Dr Kai Hau Lian Pau, 8th June 2013 Tamu TZO to UZO [Tamu Zo Organisation apat United Zo Organisation], 9th June 2013 Khampat (1) UZO President Rev. Go Za Suum. Tuaban ah khamtung lamah zong Tedim Myo leh Tonzaang te ah UZO umzou ta ahimanin tukum beima in Village UZO umzaw nading leh aban ah Myanmar UZO pichingtah a idintou sah zaw nading in thungen chiet vai chi uhi. Tualeh koikoi UZO tatzie a tumpihui ikibat kim ding zong ngaisut lian mama khat in koi chiet vai chi uhi.

Tuaban ah tui akimkot (island) gam New Zealand a um Pu Zo suon teng in Zo ih hina kumpi te’n ei chiaptena (recognize) diing leh Zo suon teng ih khantouna diing ki vaipuohna diing in “New Zealand Zo Community” (NZZC) chi'n matpongten (Registration) ka siau uh pen Toupa hepina toh August 7, 2013 ni in hing kia ta hi chi uhi.

~ Joint Editor, Zogam Today

ZOGAL Links

ZOUGAL (1917-1919): Dr David Vumlallian Zou

The Unforgettable Warriors: Zou Resistance Against the British

Zou Gal Day 2011: A Historic First Observed in Delhi and Manipur

THE LAST TEARS OF ZOUGAAL ~ Hausienmuan Munluo

Zous celebrate Zogal Day in Manipur

ZOU GAL DAY: LAMKA & DELHI

Delhi leh Lamka khopi ah Zou Gal Day thupitah in kizang

Zogal Memorial Shield 2015: Football Final

ZOGAL DAY OBSERVANCE-cum-KIHANTOHNA 2025

Invitation to Zou Gal Day Observation at Delhi and Lamka Khopi

Zou Raid Threats 1918 Letters: Chief Luanvunga’s Plea | British Records

Zogal kaap te'n Mizo khuo Chingbung leh Loannbung luh sawmna thu | British Records

The Zou as a Minority Community

Zou Gaal song composer Pu Mangzathang passes away

Zou Gal (1917-19) leh Chivu: Dr S Thangboi Zou

ZOUGAL TANCHIN TOMKIM: DR S THANGBOI ZOU

ZOGAL TIMELINE

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Gurgaon “Monster” Police: NE Boys Beaten by Gurgaon Police

New Delhi, September 3, 2013: While Delhi Police is taking steps to ensure the safety of North Easterners, Gurgaon Police (Haryana) seems to be doing the opposite. Two North East boys were allegedly detained and beaten by Gurgaon Police in Chakkarpur last night. One is from Faridabad, and the other from Chakkarpur.

The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. The victims said they were out looking for transport to Faridabad when two policemen stopped them, accused them of being thieves, and began beating them. One of the victims said a policeman even took his mobile phone.

Upon hearing about the incident, two NE girls, our correspondent, and his friend rushed to the scene. “As soon as we arrived, the two cops—Mr Balwant Singh and Mr Raj Pal—started hitting my friend with their sticks. Balwant Singh shouted at us, ‘Why have you all come here?’ We politely explained, but they acted like wild beasts,” said the media incharge of the NE Helpline.

Shockingly, the cops continued shouting and hitting people without reason, appearing intoxicated. Their behaviour was no different from monsters.

The intervention of two brave young women, Melody Chiinnei Suantah and Stacy Shoute, helped stop the assault. They repeatedly urged the cops to release the two boys, who were innocent. However, the cops refused and called for reinforcements. Another policeman, Kalwant Singh, arrived with an officer in a PCR van (HR55F2803, Sec 29). Since the van had no light, the officer’s name could not be identified.

Instead of taking action, Kalwant Singh supported his colleagues and even attempted to slap the group. After repeated pleas, the unknown officer finally let them go, preventing further violence.

Even then, Raj Pal initially refused to return the stolen mobile phone. Only after the group complained to the unknown officer did he hand it back.

This incident highlights the lack of safety for North East people in Gurgaon. The police, meant to protect, have instead become a threat. Higher authorities must take action against officers like Balwant Singh and Raj Pal for their misconduct. “They must be punished for harassing and beating North Easterners instead of protecting them,” demanded NE residents.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

(Media Incharge, North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi)

Special Correspondent

THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

 

Tipriti & Rudy Electrify Raisina Hills at North-East Freshers’ Night 2013

\

Shillong’s renowned band Soulmate lit up the North-East Freshers’ Night 2013 at Raisina Hills, Delhi, on Saturday night, 31 August 2013. Vocalist Tipriti Kharbangar and guitarist Rudy Wallang captivated the audience at the event, organised by National Students' Union of India (NSUI).

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Special Correspondent

THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

Delhi Zou Students Organise Career Guidance Event

New Delhi, 31 August 2013: “The tribals in Manipur had no rights except for the village chief, who has held authority since the colonial period,” said Dr David Vumlallian Zou, Assistant Professor in the History Department at Delhi University.

Dr Zou explained that while people from the valley want to abolish chieftainship in Manipur, tribal chiefs have held land ownership rights—locally known as “Dai”—long before India’s independence. He made these remarks during the 6th ZSPD Study Forum and Career Guidance session on Saturday.

Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi, a student body in Delhi, has been running a study forum every Saturday, where students prepare together for competitive exams such as UPSC, Staff Selection, and Banking. The forum has helped nearly 50 Zou students secure government jobs, according to organisers.

Under the theme “Sangnaupang Vision”, the career guidance programme aimed to raise awareness among Zou students and encourage them to pursue government service careers.

Dr David Zou presented a paper on "Tribal Rights in Manipur and Our Rights in Delhi." Lawrence Khenmang, Executive Officer, Lok Sabha Secretariat, spoke on the challenges of civil service exams. Christopher Thongkhanthang, a PhD scholar from JNU, highlighted the importance of education in society. M. Limlunthang, a PhD scholar from Jamia Millia Islamia, spoke on motivation, while Khailianmang Samte, Tax Assistant, Government of India, and Zamlianmang, Central Secretariat, discussed the challenges of SSC exams.

Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Katamnao Long (Tangkhul Students’ Union) Delhi held a Freshers’ Welcome and Blessing Ceremony at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium. Arthur Chipang, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong District, was the chief guest. The venue was sponsored by Rishang Keishing, MP (Rajya Sabha), and Victor Keishing, MLA.

Additionally, the Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Delhi, celebrated its 22nd Social Freshers’ Function at Sri Shankar Lal Concert Hall, Delhi University. Gaikhangam, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Manipur, attended as the chief guest, along with other distinguished guests, including S.J. Chiru, IAS, OSD to the Minister of Shipping, Government of India; Dr Alana Golmei, General Secretary, North East Support Centre & Helpline; Timothy T. Gonmei, Deputy Secretary, ES, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence; Gugu Haralu, Social Worker; Machunlung Kamei, Additional Commissioner, Central Excise; and Dai Remmei, Regional P.F. Commissioner-I.

These events showcased the growing efforts to support and guide North-East students in Delhi, helping them navigate academic and career challenges.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Special Correspondent
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

ZOGAL Links

ZOUGAL (1917-1919): Dr David Vumlallian Zou

The Unforgettable Warriors: Zou Resistance Against the British

Zou Gal Day 2011: A Historic First Observed in Delhi and Manipur

THE LAST TEARS OF ZOUGAAL ~ Hausienmuan Munluo

Zous celebrate Zogal Day in Manipur

ZOU GAL DAY: LAMKA & DELHI

Delhi leh Lamka khopi ah Zou Gal Day thupitah in kizang

Zogal Memorial Shield 2015: Football Final

ZOGAL DAY OBSERVANCE-cum-KIHANTOHNA 2025

Invitation to Zou Gal Day Observation at Delhi and Lamka Khopi

Zou Raid Threats 1918 Letters: Chief Luanvunga’s Plea | British Records

Zogal kaap te'n Mizo khuo Chingbung leh Loannbung luh sawmna thu | British Records

The Zou as a Minority Community

Zou Gaal song composer Pu Mangzathang passes away

Zou Gal (1917-19) leh Chivu: Dr S Thangboi Zou

ZOUGAL TANCHIN TOMKIM: DR S THANGBOI ZOU

ZOGAL TIMELINE

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North East MP Forum to Address Issues Faced by North-Easterners in Delhi

New Delhi, 31 August 2013: People from the North East continue to face harassment and discrimination in the national capital. Although Delhi Police has taken several steps to address these issues, the problem persists. A few years ago, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla highlighted India’s struggle with racism, an issue that remains relevant today. If one Chief Minister can bring attention to such concerns, the collective voice of all eight Chief Ministers or Members of Parliament from the North East could be even more impactful. However, there has been no strong voice to consistently challenge discrimination faced by North Easterners in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).

In an effort to address these issues, Robin Hibu, an IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh and Joint Commissioner of Police (Training), organised an interactive review meeting with North-East students at Arunachal House on Saturday (31 August 2013). The meeting was attended by student leaders, NGOs, employees, and Delhi Police officers.

Arunachal Pradesh MP Takam Sanjoy, who serves as the Secretary of the North East MP Forum, was the chief guest. He assured attendees that he would bring the concerns of North Easterners living in Delhi, Gurgaon (Haryana), Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad (Uttar Pradesh) to the attention of the Indian government as well as the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. He also announced his plans to meet with the respective Chief Ministers soon.

Sanjoy emphasised that the North East MP Forum is aware of the difficulties faced by North Eastern youth in metropolitan cities, particularly Delhi. He praised Robin Hibu for his efforts in organising regular meetings to improve security for North-East residents in the capital. "We should integrate with the locals and learn their language, as language is very important," he advised.

He further stated that the forum is working to establish hostels for North-East students in both the North and South Campuses of Delhi University. Due to their persistent efforts, the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has agreed in principle to allocate land for the construction of a North-East students’ hostel within the JNU campus.

Shri Robin Hibu, IPS, who has played a key role in organizing awareness programs for North East residents, shared his personal experiences of racial discrimination. He encouraged the community to remain resilient, work hard, and excel in life despite the challenges. His insights and motivational words resonated deeply with the attendees.

Representatives from Gurgaon and Noida also submitted memorandums outlining their concerns. During the discussion, both Takam Sanjoy and Robin Hibu also shared personal experiences of discrimination they had faced in Delhi in their earlier years.

North East residents from various parts of Delhi and the NCR participated in the meeting, openly sharing their experiences and suggestions. Many expressed concerns over the frequent racial discrimination they face in public spaces, workplaces, and even at the hands of law enforcement. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to ensure the safety and dignity of North Easterners in the capital.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Media Incharge

North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi

(Special Correspondent for The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today)