Racial Discrimination: 6 NE Boys Beaten by Landlord in Gurgaon

To,

The SHO

DLF-1 Police Station,

Gurgaon, HARYANA.

 

SUBJECT: Please take immediate legal action against the landlord and his accomplices who allegedly attacked and racially assaulted the Northeast residents in Gurgaon on the night of 29^th March 2014. And also provide security to the Northeast people at the earliest possible.

 

Respected Sir,

 

With due respect and urgency, we, the NORTH EAST SUPPORT CENTRE & HELPLINE (NESCH), is writing to you that to take immediate action against the landlord and the locals who racially abused and physically assaulted some Northeast Indians in Sikendarpur on the night of 29^th March 2014.

 

On 29^th March 2014 at around 10.34pm at Sikanderpur, a landlord (name and his house number unknown) along with some locals mercilessly and physically assaulted his tenant one Northeast boy inside his rented room. This incident occurred at the house/building of this landlord. The boy was his tenant and did not involve in any incident. Thereafter the landlord and the locals rampantly beat up the Northeast whoever they saw in the locality. They beat with iron rods and sticks, and they even stoned upon the innocent Northeast.

 

Some 30-40 locals came out with iron rods, hockey sticks and started smashing and hitting all the Northeast people in Sikendapur whosoever they find in the street/locality. This group of locals was led by one landlord.

 

The locals frantically move around searching the Northeast people to beat up or kill. They shouted “MANIPURI WALO KO MARO!, CHINKI KO BHAGOA, JUNGLI WALA”.

 

The moment we received the information, we, the peace-loving leaders of NESC HELPLINE inquired the problem. Unfortunately we were being threatened by the locals who didn’t allowed us to say anything and they started hitting us with their handheld weapons like iron rods, hockey sticks, stones and others.

 

At the very beginning of the incident, we dialed 100 and called Gurgaon Police, but they did not entertain our distress calls. They simply hang up the phone. If the Police were alert and acts promptly respond to our helpless calls, such incident would not happen. We were deeply hurt by the irresponsibility of the police.

 

North East Support Centre & Helpline today met some of the victims in Sikendarpur, Gurgaon.

 

List of the innocent Northeast mercilessly beaten and injured were given as follows:

1.  Mr Mimin (Injured on his head)

2.  Mr Rinmaso Huishuwo (Injured his left eye)

3.  Mr Lucas Luiram (Injured his hands and back)

4. Mr Kaan Khamrang (Injured his face and hands)

5. Mr Mereiyar Keishing (injured his head and back)

6. Mr Seigoulal Kipgen (He was beaten by his own landlord accompanied by a group of locals inside his rented room. He was injured on his back. He was beaten with wooden sticks.)

The locals took advantage of the incident. The locals grabbed and forcibly took away the mobiles phones from the hands of our Northeast people who were present during the incident. Now we are afraid that they might misuse those phone numbers. The names below are those whose phones had been snatched:-

 

1. Mr Mimin, Sony Xperia, Mob No. 9873844734 (approx. Rs 15,000 only)

 

2. Mr Kaan Khamrang, Karbon, Mob No. 9560121152 (approx. Rs 7,000 only)

 

3. Mr Rinmaso Huishuwo, Spice, Mob No. 9711347045 (approx. Rs 8,000). His mobile phone was smashed and completely damaged by the locals while he was brutally beaten up.

 

Now we the Northeast people living in Gurgaon were afraid of back lashing by the locals at any time.

 

Many times in the past and till today, we have been racially abused, discriminated and assaulted by the locals without our faults. Therefore, we kindly request you to take immediate legal action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. And also please kindly arrest the landlord and his accomplices immediately. We look forward to your prompt action. Thanking You.

 

In the Service of Our North East Brothers and Sisters,

 

BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

Media Incharge

NORTH EAST SUPPORT CENTRE & HELPLINE

New Delhi

Mob. 8586914833

Date: 30-03-2014

 

COPY TO

Shri Alok Mittal, IPS

Commissioner of Police, Gurgaon

 

Smt Naazneen Bhasin, IPS

DCP East Gurgaon &

Nodal Officer for North East in Gurgaon

 

Shri Robin Hibu, IPS

Joint Commissioner of Police/ IGP, Delhi Police &

Nodal Officer for North East in Delhi

 

Shri Sang Norbu Mosobi, IPS, DCP NE CELL, Delhi Police

 

Shri Takam Sanjoy, MP and Secretary, North East MPs’ Forum

 

Dr Alana Golmei, Founding & General Secretary

North East Support Centre & Helpline, New Delhi

 

All NESC Helpline Members.

 

Brutal Attack on Northeast Residents in Gurgaon: No Arrests Yet

New Delhi, 31st March 2014 – The North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH), based in New Delhi, has filed a formal complaint with the Gurgaon Police in Haryana following a horrific incident in Sikanderpur, Gurgaon (Haryana) on the night of 29th March 2014. An FIR has been registered at the DLF Phase I Police Station under Sections 148/149/323 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act 1989. However, no arrests have been made yet, despite allegations of a violent mob attack targeting people from the Northeast.

According to reports received by NESCH, the incident unfolded around 10:34 PM when a landlord, whose identity remains unknown, along with a group of locals, allegedly assaulted a young man from the Northeast inside his rented accommodation. The victim, a tenant of the landlord, was reportedly not involved in any prior altercation. Shockingly, the violence escalated as the landlord and his associates began indiscriminately attacking anyone from the Northeast they encountered in the area. Armed with iron rods, hockey sticks, and stones, the mob unleashed a wave of terror, leaving several injured.

A Manipuri boy, who was among those attacked, recounted the harrowing ordeal: “Around 30-40 locals emerged with iron rods and hockey sticks, targeting every Northeast person they could find in Sikanderpur. The mob was led by the landlord.”

 

Disturbingly, witnesses claim that the attackers roamed the locality, shouting derogatory slurs such as “Manipuri walo ko maro!” (Beat the Manipuris!), “Chinki ko bhagoa!” (Drive out the Chinkis!), and “Jungli wala!” (Jungle people!). The situation grew increasingly volatile as the mob continued their rampage.

 

The NESCH team, upon learning of the incident, rushed to the scene to mediate and assist. However, they too were allegedly threatened and attacked by the locals. “When we tried to intervene, the locals threatened us and began assaulting us with iron rods, hockey sticks, and stones. We were left helpless.”

 

Six Northeast boys were reportedly injured in the attack, with three losing their mobile phones during the chaos. Victims expressed frustration over the lack of police intervention, claiming that their distress calls to the Gurgaon Police went unanswered. “We dialled 100 multiple times, but the police ignored our pleas. Had they acted promptly, this tragedy could have been avoided. Their negligence has left us deeply hurt,” one victim lamented.

 

While the police have launched an investigation, no arrests have been made so far. The incident has sparked outrage among the Northeast community, raising serious concerns about their safety and the responsiveness of law enforcement in Gurgaon.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge
North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi

Six Northeast Residents Allegedly Attacked in Gurgaon, Helpline Demands Immediate Action

Gurgaon, March 30, 2014: In a shocking case of racial violence, several residents from the Northeast were allegedly assaulted by a group of locals, including a landlord, in Sikanderpur, Gurgaon on the night of March 29. According to Mr. Bruce K. Thangkhal, media in-charge, North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH), the attack began when a landlord, accompanied by around 30–40 locals, allegedly beat up a Northeast tenant in his rented room without provocation.

Eyewitnesses and victims claim that the mob used iron rods, hockey sticks, and stones, targeting any Northeast individuals they came across in the area. Racial slurs such as "Manipuri walo ko maro!" and "Chinki ko bhagao!" were reportedly shouted during the attack, escalating fear and panic among the residents.

Six individuals were injured in the incident:

Mr. Mimin (head injury)

Mr. Rinmaso Huishuwo (eye injury)

Mr. Lucas Luiram (injuries to hands and back)

Mr. Kaan Khamrang (facial and hand injuries)

Mr. Mereiyar Keishing (head and back injury)

Mr. Seigoulal Kipgen (attacked in his room with wooden sticks)

In addition to physical injuries, mobile phones were reportedly snatched or damaged during the incident. The details of the stolen/damaged phones are as follows:

Mr. Mimin, Sony Xperia, Mobile No. 9873844734 (approx. ₹15,000)

Mr. Kaan Khamrang, Karbonn, Mobile No. 9560121152 (approx. ₹7,000)

Mr. Rinmaso Huishuwo, Spice, Mobile No. 9711347045 (approx. ₹8,000); his phone was smashed and completely damaged during the assault

NESCH representatives who arrived at the scene to mediate said they were also threatened and assaulted by the locals. They alleged that their calls to Gurgaon Police via the emergency number 100 went unanswered, and no prompt assistance was provided.

The organisation has urged authorities to take immediate legal action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and demanded the arrest of the landlord and others involved. They have also appealed for urgent security measures for the Northeast community residing in Gurgaon.

Fear of backlash and repeated discrimination continues to grip the community as they await action from law enforcement.

KV NEWS

Hindu College Hosts Vibrant Northeast Festival ‘NEtym 2014’

THE CAMPUS of Hindu College buzzed with excitement on March 29, 2014 as the Northeast Cell hosted its grand festival, NEtym 2014. The event celebrated the rich cultural heritage, history, and contemporary issues of Northeast India, drawing in students and enthusiasts from across Delhi.

“We made this happen through collective effort and alumni sponsorship. Unfortunately, no financial support came from the college authorities. We hope that changes in the future,” said Rocky Wahengbem, head of the organizing committee and a Hindu College student, in a chat with this correspondent.

A Fusion of Cultures and Ideas
The festival highlighted the Northeast’s vibrant social and cultural mosaic, showcasing its rich traditions through a tapestry of events. From food and handicrafts to literature and music, the festival fostered a sense of unity and belonging among attendees.

Central to the day was a national seminar titled “Northeast India and the Global World,” featuring prominent speakers like Retired Army Chief Sir JJ Singh. In the evening, the campus came alive with electrifying performances by Guru Rewben Mashangva, Minutes of Decay, rapper Borkung Hrangkhol, INA, and the Underground Music League.

Cultural Extravaganza
The festival also included a dazzling array of cultural performances. Traditional dances from various Northeastern states mesmerized the audience, while a fashion show spotlighted attire inspired by the region’s aesthetic heritage. Earlier, the Northeast Cell organized a football tournament and a photography competition, adding to the celebratory spirit.

Throughout the day, food stalls served delectable Northeastern cuisine, while art, crafts, and tourism stalls dotted the campus, giving attendees a taste of the region’s charm.

Echoes of Unity Through Music
The festival reached its crescendo with a performance by Guru Rewben Mashangva, the “Father of Naga Folk Songs”. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “I am glad to share our culture in the capital, but I feel saddened by the discrimination Northeastern people face. Through music, I hope to spread the message that we are all human beings and should be treated as such.”

The 3-sister band, Minutes of Decay, also captured hearts with their music and story. “Our parents encouraged us to form this band after recognizing our talents,” shared Worshon Muivah. “Music is our life, and we will continue as long as we live,” she added.

Rapper Borkung Hrangkhol and his team closed the evening with high-energy performances that had the crowd dancing and cheering. As the festival wound down, the audience clamored for an encore from Guru Rewben, but time constraints brought the event to an end—leaving everyone with unforgettable memories.

A Growing Legacy
Since its establishment in 2011, the Northeast Cell of Hindu College has grown remarkably, becoming a platform for students from the region to showcase their identity and culture. Last year’s NEtym 2013 saw over 5,000 attendees, and this year’s event continued the tradition with vibrant participation and enthusiasm.

Reflecting on the growing presence of Northeast students, Stephen Valte, a first-year philosophy student, shared, “Around 400 to 500 Northeast students are currently studying at Hindu College.”

As the sun set on NEtym 2014, the festival left behind a vivid, colorful memory—an ode to the resilience, creativity, and unity of Northeast India.

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

 

NESCH Seeks Police Action Against Suspicious Caller

New Delhi, March 25, 2014: A formal complaint has been submitted to Shri B.S. Bassi, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Delhi, urging immediate action to trace and investigate a suspicious caller who allegedly harassed Dr. Alana Golmei, the Founding Member and General Secretary of the North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH), New Delhi.

In a letter addressed to the Police Commissioner on 25 March 2014, Bruce K. Thangkhal, Media Incharge of NESCH, reported that Dr. Golmei received repeated calls from an unknown number — 9716460181 — which she suspects to be linked to criminal activity, possibly a sex racket targeting individuals from Northeast India and Nepal.

“This number looks suspicious to me. They might be into a sex racket and targeting people from the Northeast and Nepal. I continuously received calls, and the caller even asked me, ‘Are you from Nepal?’” Dr. Golmei stated. The caller claimed to be calling from Noida and reportedly began contacting her helpline number (8860956209) on March 9 at around 4:30 PM, with persistent messages following the initial missed call.

Given the sensitive nature of the NESCH helpline, which works for the protection and welfare of people from the Northeast region and Nepal residing in Delhi and NCR, the organization expressed serious concern over such threats and harassment.

“We request that the identity of the caller be traced and necessary legal action be initiated at the earliest to prevent any unfortunate incident,” Thangkhal appealed in the letter.

The matter is now awaiting official response and action from the Delhi Police.

~ KV NEWS

Manipuri Students Attacked in Munirka ATM Booth: No Arrest After 5 Months

New Delhi, March 22, 2014 – Two Manipuri boys were brutally attacked by three local men at an ATM booth in Munirka, South Delhi, on 17 October 2013, but no arrests have been made by the Delhi Police even after five months, says Bruce K. Thangkhal, media incharge of the North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH).

The incident happened around 5:30 PM at a PNB ATM booth when the two victims were waiting in line to withdraw money. According to the victims, the attackers suddenly approached them and began beating them with their hands, feet, and blunt objects with sharp nails. The attack left both victims with serious injuries.

One of the victims is a PhD scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the other is preparing for competitive exams. Both missed their examinations following the assault. The victims belong to the Scheduled Caste community.

A case was registered at Vasant Vihar Police Station under IPC sections 323/341/34 (FIR No. 460, dated 18 October 2013). However, NESCH said police have shown little interest and have not arrested any of the accused. Shockingly, the main accused is still roaming freely in Munirka.

“This is another example of the negligence by the Delhi Police towards people from the North East,” said Bruce K. Thangkhal. “The victims were targeted because of their appearance, which shows signs of racial discrimination.”

On 22 March 2014, NESCH has written to Shri Robin Hibu, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police and Nodal Officer for North East, demanding immediate arrest of all three accused and the addition of charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

NESCH has also sent a copy of the complaint to several top officials, including the Delhi Police Commissioner, National SC/ST Commission, National Human Rights Commission, and Ministry of Home Affairs.

The organisation urged the police to act swiftly and ensure justice for the victims.

KV NEWS

Manipuri Girl Found Dead in Delhi

New Delhi, March 20, 2014 – A 20-year-old girl from Manipur was found dead under mysterious circumstances in her friend’s rented room in Munirka, South Delhi, today.

The deceased has been identified as Abem Sophia (20), a resident of Viewland Colony, Senapati district, Manipur.

The dead body being carried by Delhi Police. Pic: Bruce K. Thangkhal

According to the police, Sophia had been staying with two of her friends, Moses (23) and Naomi (22), both from Senapati, for the past few days.

“Moses said Sophia had requested to stay with them until she found a vacant room, so they agreed to let her stay.”

Both Moses and Naomi worked in different night-shift call centres. Naomi returned home around 7:30 AM and found Sophia snoring on the bed, assuming she was sleeping as usual. Naomi also went to sleep.

Later, Moses came home around 11:15 AM and tried to wake Sophia. When she did not respond but only groaned faintly, he immediately woke up his sister. It was at that moment that they realised Sophia had passed away, said Moses.

The incident came to light when Moses called a friend, who then informed the police.

DCP South Delhi, B.S. Jaiswal, who visited the scene, told media personnel that no injury marks were found on the body. He added that the cause of death would be determined after a post-mortem examination.

A CBI team also inspected the room and the body, but the cause of death remains unknown at this stage.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

(Media Incharge, NESCH)

Special Correspondent
~ The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

Global Zomi Alliance Conference 2014: Delusion Rises among Zomis in Myanmar

HUNDREDS of Zomi delegates from the UK, USA, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and India attended the 2nd Global Zomi Alliance Conference in Tedim, Chin State, Myanmar, from 13 to 17 March 2014. The conference aimed to unify all Zo ethnic groups under the umbrella term ‘Zomi’.

According to one senior delegate, ‘Zomi’ is a nomenclature preferred by some Zo groups who believe Zo to be their progenitor. In short, Zomi means ‘Zo People’.

The Global Zomi Alliance, the largest international Zomi organisation, has declared that Zomis should select Code No. 914 (‘Others’) in the upcoming Myanmar census. The term ‘Zomi’ does not exist in the census but falls under the category of ‘Others’.

The GZA has launched mass campaigns and undertaken tours among the Zo ethnic groups in Myanmar.

All eyes are on the Myanmar census, which is set to take place across the country from 19 March to 19 April 2014.

The Myanmar government has allocated separate codes for all ethnic groups. Every individual is required to state their community’s code number in the census form.

A seminar, worship service, and musical concert were also organised during the five-day conference.

Rev. Dr Do Suan Mung presented a seminar paper on The Zomis and Technological Advantages. Zomi Innkuan Singapore (Zomi Welfare Singapore) gave an account titled Reflections from the Zomi Youths. Mr C. Thang Za Tuan spoke on Zomi and Knowledge. Mr Langh Do Khup and Rev. Pau Khan Khai deliberated on The Zomis and Their Future. Rev. Suan Khan Thang also addressed The Future of Zomis, and Dr Cing Pum Nem spoke on The Development of Zomis.

Two delegates from India, Dr Luaichinthang, Chairman of the Zomi Language and Literature Society (ZOLLS), and Mr Dalsianpau, Secretary of ZOLLS, along with representatives from Mizoram’s Zomi Cultural Society, Champhai, shared valuable insights during the seminar.

In the past, some communities belonging to the Zomi group — such as Teizang, Khonou, Sihzang, Tedim, Zo, and Dim — were separately recognised, while the term ‘Zomi’ was omitted.

Now, Zomi leaders have recognised this oversight and are seeking recognition for ‘Zomi’ as their official nomenclature both nationally and internationally.

However, minority groups fear that their communities are under threat from pro-Zomi activists, who have been conducting nationwide campaigns urging people to select Code No. 914 (for Zomis) in the census.

“If a particular community reaches at least 50,000 members in the census record, they will gain international (United Nations) recognition. We have heard that if our population reaches 50,000, we will be recognised. Many Zomis want the name ‘Zomi’ to be acknowledged as well,” said Rev. T. K. Lian, a pastor who has been ministering to Zomi refugees from Myanmar living in Delhi for the past 13 years.

The two largest Zomi church bodies in Myanmar—the Zomi Baptist Convention and the Tedim Baptist Church—have declared their full support for the term ‘Zomi’, which is currently uncategorised under Code No. 914 (‘Others’) in the Myanmar census.

The Zomi Cultural Society of Mizoram and the Zomi Students’ Federation of Manipur have been entrusted with raising awareness among Zomis in India.

The Global Zomi Alliance has also resolved that the next convention will be held in Manipur.

Throughout the day, discussions, debates, and seminars took centre stage, while the evenings provided a much-needed reprieve for many attendees.

A musical concert was held in the evenings, helping to dispel the political tensions of the conference through harmonious performances by Mr President and Mr Secretary of the Zomi Music Uplift Society (ZOMUS), Mr B. Muan Ngaihte (Member of the Zomi Artistes Association – ZAA), Miss Esther Chingsan, Mr Lengtong Kamkhen, Mr T. S. Khai, Mr Kapno, Miss Saannuam, Miss Zambawi, and Miss Chingpi.

These celebrated Zomi singers transformed the politically charged conference into a lively and memorable event, enriched by a different and refreshing atmosphere.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Zomi International Conference 2019 | KV News

ZOMI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, MALAYSIA 2019

Global Zomi Alliance Conference 2014: Delusion Rises among Zomis in Myanmar

Who are the Zomi?

The Origin of Zomi: Pu T Gougin

Exclusive interview: Nathan Loncheu

KHALVONTAWI NEWS
--- Voice of the Voiceless ---

 

NE Diary – Highlights from the Week in Delhi

NE Outreach Efforts
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) has been engaged in efforts to connect with Northeast youths. Three meetings were recently held at the DONER office, where Northeast students and NGOs expressed their concerns to DONER, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the North Eastern Council (NEC), and the Delhi Police. They urged authorities to recruit youths from the region by setting up recruitment drives in every state capital. In response, the Delhi Police recently conducted a recruitment drive in Guwahati and is expected to visit other Northeast states soon.

Mumbai Women’s Helpline
In a significant step for women’s safety in Mumbai, Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria has launched a dedicated helpline for women traveling alone by auto or taxi. Before boarding a vehicle, women can send the vehicle registration number via SMS to 9969777888 and will receive an acknowledgment. The vehicle will then be tracked using GPRS. This free service has been introduced by the Mumbai Police in collaboration with MTNL.

NE Voter ID Registration Camp
For the first time in history, around 5,000 Northeast residents registered during the Special Voter Registration Camp organized by the Delhi Electoral Office on March 12 at the NEC Guest House, Chanakyapuri. Additionally, an exclusive Aadhar Card registration camp for Northeast residents is scheduled to take place in the coming days.

Holi Safety Concerns for NE Residents
The North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH) has written to Robin Hibu IPS, Nodal Officer for the Northeast and Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police, requesting enhanced security in areas where Northeast residents live. NEH has received multiple complaints that Northeast women are often targeted during Holi, with even men not being spared. Incidents include locals throwing dirty water, colours, and even garbage at them. In some cases, people have reportedly spat on Northeast residents from balconies. NESCH has urged authorities to ensure the safety and security of Northeast residents during the festival.

NE Crime Reports

• A Northeast girl was robbed by two local men on a motorcycle at Parmanand Road in Mukherjee Nagar, North Delhi. The miscreants forcibly snatched her bag and wallet.
• In another incident, a Northeast girl was bathing in her bathroom when two men broke in and stole all her money, gold ornaments, and ATM card near Babulal Chowk in Munirka.
• A Northeast family’s house was completely looted by unknown miscreants while they were at the local market in Najafgarh. 

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

(Media Incharge, NESCH)
Special Correspondent
~ The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

 

Delhi Mizos Celebrate Spring Festival with Faith and Fellowship

New Delhi, 16 March 2014: Mizos living in the national capital gathered to celebrate the Spring Festival at Mizoram House, Vasant Vihar, starting on Thursday (13 March) night and concluding on Sunday (16 March) night.

The four-day festival, organised by the Delhi Mizo Inkhawm (Delhi Mizo Christian Fellowship), aimed to cultivate the spirit of true believers in Christ the Saviour, according to Mr Vanlalramsanga Chawngthu, Assistant Secretary of DMI.

Celebrated Mizo singer, Mr Joseph Zaihmingthanga, has been delivering the Word of God since the festival began. The organisers of DMI served lunch after the first session, which started at 2 pm, followed by a second session at 6 pm after serving tea and snacks to attendees.

Before the programme commenced, the seats in the conference hall of Mizoram House were filled, with everyone eagerly awaiting the speaker, a man of God.

Joseph Zaihmingthanga’s heartfelt sermons deeply touched the congregation, enlightening many with the holy scriptures from the Bible.

Previously known as a popular pop singer in Mizoram, Zaihmingthanga made a dramatic shift in his life after accepting Jesus Christ as his Saviour. He abandoned his career as a love song singer, dedicating himself fully to preaching the gospel. His transformation into a devoted Christian has earned him respect as a preacher, and his sermons have touched and healed many hearts. He is regarded as a God-chosen man among the Mizos today.

The festival was blessed with numerous gospel songs performed by Mizo singers such as Dr Evelyn, Mr Sawmpuia, Miss Fiona Pachuau, Mr Moses, Miss Mawittei, Miss Grace, Mr Jonathan, and Mr Zonuna.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Special Correspondent, New Delhi
The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

Northeast Helpline Launched in Mumbai

Mumbai, 14 March 2014: The Northeast Helpline – Mumbai met with the Mumbai Commissioner of Police, Mr Rakesh Maria, to apprise him of the challenges faced by the Northeast community and to express gratitude for his support. On 14 March 2014, a dedicated helpline for the Northeast community, named Northeast Helpline – Mumbai, was successfully launched at 2, Mini Rose Apartments, Vidyanagari Marg, Kalina, Santacruz (E), Mumbai – 400 098, by various Northeast communities residing in the city.

This initiative follows the model of the Northeast Support Centre & Helpline, which was established in Delhi in 2007. The primary objective of the Mumbai helpline is to address the grievances and concerns of Northeast residents in the city.

In response to the increasing incidents of racial discrimination and attacks against people from the Northeast living in India’s metropolitan cities, the Northeast community in Mumbai recognised the urgent need for a dedicated helpline.

The patron of the Northeast Helpline – Mumbai, Dr Abraham Mathai, along with Dr Alana Golmei from the Northeast Support Centre & Helpline – Delhi, who was visiting Mumbai as part of a mission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi, met with the Commissioner of Police to discuss the difficulties faced by the Northeast community in Mumbai.

Mr Rakesh Maria listened attentively and took proactive steps to address these concerns. He instructed his team to conduct an audit of areas in the city where Northeast residents are concentrated and proposed increased patrolling in these localities.

Furthermore, the Commissioner directed that regular meetings be held between Northeast representatives and law enforcement authorities to ensure continued dialogue and effective action.

The helpline numbers for Mumbai are:

8976341108, 9892877545, 8898949775, 9930717364, 9969036377.

Northeast Helpline – Mumbai

Safety & Security for NE during HOLI festival

To
Shri Robin Hibu, IPS
Nodal Officer for North East
Joint Commissioner of Police
Delhi.

Subject : Safety & Security for NE during HOLI festival.

As Holi festival is approaching, there looms fear among the NE people especially, our women in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and other NCR regions.

NE HELPLINE started receiving complaints that many of NE girls were often targeted by the locals during holi. Dirty waters or even firecrackers were being thrown upon them, or being teased or stalked, in the name of holi. Even our boys were targeted too.

We kindly request you to arrange tight security vigil to combat crime against the NE people in Delhi especially during holi. Looking forward for your prompt action.

Yours Truly,
Bruce K. Thangkhal
Media Incharge
NORTH EAST SUPPORT CENTRE & HELPLINE
New Delhi.
Mob. 8586914833

15.03.2014

COPY TO:
CP/ Delhi
CP/ Gurgaon
CP/ Noida
CP/ Ghaziabad
CP/ Faridabad

Stop Violence Against Burmese in Delhi: Burmese Refugees

 New Delhi, 9 March 2014 – Delhi has witnessed numerous crimes against people of Mongoloid features. Hundreds of Burmese refugees staged a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on Saturday (March 8), urging the Burmese government to cease the use of rape and violence against women as weapons of war.

The Burmese refugees are calling for the immediate intervention of the Delhi government (India), the UNHCR, and the international community to put an end to all crimes and acts of violence against Burmese refugees living in New Delhi.

From young children to the elderly, including many women, a large number of people turned out for the protest, which was organised by Burmese Refugee Women Delhi (BRWD) to coincide with International Women’s Day.

According to Burmese Refugee Women Delhi, more than 200 cases of various forms of violence against Burmese women and children have been documented in Delhi alone over the past three years.

Of these, more than 100 cases are related to sexual violence. This remains an ongoing issue, with no proper protection mechanisms in place for Burmese refugees in New Delhi.

Out of the over 200 documented cases, only one has been resolved so far. The main perpetrator, an Indian man who allegedly raped a minor Burmese girl, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. The remaining cases remain unresolved.

Miss Rosalinn Zahau, a field officer for the New Delhi-based Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO), stated: “Though the rapist was imprisoned, the victim still feels unsafe. It is extremely difficult for us to attend court regularly due to financial hardship and language barriers.”

“UNHCR has not completely neglected our problems, but on many occasions, they [UNHCR] have victimised the victims. We want them to stop blaming the poor victims,” Zahau asserted.

A deeply distressing recent incident involved the alleged rape of a two-year-old Burmese child by a local Indian man. The victim’s mother was unaware of the assault and initially urged her child, who was unable to sleep, to rest. Only after consulting a doctor, who confirmed that the child had been raped, did the mother realise the horrific ordeal her child had endured. Burmese refugees have witnessed countless other incidents of sexual assault.

Burmese Refugee Women Delhi estimates that around 10,000 Burmese refugees live in New Delhi, primarily in areas such as Vikaspuri, Uttam Nagar, and Dabri Mor. The Burmese female population is believed to be approximately 5,000.

Miss Maengi, a member of Burmese Refugee Women Delhi, stated: “We, especially women, are not safe at all. We are vulnerable to all forms of crime and violence. We urge the UNHCR to act swiftly to ensure our safety.”

Another woman, Sawmtei, from Burma’s Tahan village, has lived in Delhi for the past three years and has also faced sexual harassment and verbal abuse from local Indians.

Most Burmese refugees earn a living by working in local factories, packaging, charger repair, cable wire cutting, iron moulding, and washing utensils. These workers earn between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 per month.

Muangpi, a 20-year-old refugee who fled his home in Kalemyo three years ago due to fear of the Burmese military forces, now works in a local factory earning Rs 3,000 per month. “Some of us work at wedding parties as waiters and earn Rs 800 per night. However, this is not a regular job, so many remain unemployed.”

Mangnu, a young Burmese woman who works as an interpreter for the UNHCR, stated: “We are protesting here to raise our voices, which have gone unheard for so long.” She arrived in Delhi in 2008. Many of the harrowing experiences faced by Burmese refugees in New Delhi have never been brought to public attention.

The Burmese community is calling on the Delhi government to establish dedicated police units in areas with a significant Burmese population. They have also demanded improved healthcare services and job opportunities from both the Delhi government and the UNHCR.

Many Burmese refugees continue to face severe health and employment issues, making their lives extremely difficult.

Burmese Refugee Women Delhi is seeking assistance from the UNHCR and the international community to provide a safer environment, free education for refugee children, and subsistence allowances to help them survive in Delhi.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Special Correspondent, New Delhi
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