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The Lamka Times

Saturday, November 14, 2009

DoNER sets up Cell for protection of NE students

DoNER sets up Cell for protection of NE students

 NEW DELHI, Nov 13 – In the face escalation of violence against students hailing from the north-eastern region, the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has formally announced setting up of a Cell to take stock of the implementation of the action plan chalked out for their safety. A list of Dos and Don'ts are being readied for students studying in the national capital.

The Cell would be headed by a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of DoNER and comprises Resident Commissioners (RCs) of the eight Northeastern States, a deputy secretary and under secretary in the Ministry, an official source said. 

Asserting that a 'Zero Tolerance Policy' has been adopted, the Ministry has elaborated the slew of measures taken by it since these incidents of attacks against Northeasterners increased. The Cell has been christened 'North East Connect'. 

Sources said DoNER has taken up the issue with the Union Home Ministry and the Delhi police to ascertain the steps taken by them for the safety and security of the students in Delhi. 

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary DoNER, PK Pattanaik with the RCs of NE States on October 27. The RCs were advised to disseminate the instructions issued by Delhi Police to community members through Associations. 

As reported in this newspaper, it was decided to maintain a directory containing the names, contact numbers and addresses of people from North East in Delhi. Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Jayati Chandra has also requested the Chief Secretaries of the Northeastern States in this regard. The DoNER would bear the expense to obtain these details.

The students and youths would be sensitised before they leave their respective State about the social environment, cultural differences and prevailing situation in Delhi and follow a list of Do's and Don'ts.

The Government of India would arrange talk shows, panel discussions on local TV channels and media to create a sense of awareness in the people about the situation in Delhi.

RCs have also been asked to get in touch with people hailing from respective States and identify their grievances and facilitate them besides taking up their problems with MHA, Delhi Police.(AT)


Police inaction flayed

 GUWAHATI, (AT) Nov 13 – Taking note of "unabated racial attacks on people of Northeast communities" in New Delhi, the Northeast Students' Organisation (NESO) has condemned the failure of the police to take speedy action against the perpetrators. In a press meet held here today, the organisation demanded that the authorities concerned must recognise the severity of the problem and make immediate interventions so that such offences did not take place again. 

To bring the issue into focus, NESO yesterday sent a letter to Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, demanding "urgent necessary action". 

The letter mentions that there have been frequent unwanted incidents of atrocities, molestations, assaults on students of NE region in New Delhi. Although such incidents have been denounced by the Delhi Government, the youth from the Northeast communities continued to endure aggressive and violent acts. 

The letter called for "mental, social and physical security" to the people of Northeast India living in the national capital. 

Meanwhile, the Dwarka-based Northeast Support Centre and Helpline in an official statement to the media observed that attacks on youth from the Northeast have continued even after assurances made by the Delhi Government and the police. 

In the most recent instance, one 24 year-old youth from Imphal was beaten up by Dharmendra, a Bihari youth. The reason behind the attack was the victim asking for his money back which he had paid to Dharmendra as expenses for a ticket and visa to travel to Russia. 

The attack left the youth from Manipur severely injured, and he had to be taken to the hospital by members of Naga Students Union, Delhi and other community members. 

According to the North East Support Centre and Helpline, there were at least nine attacks on people from the Northeast between October 12 and November 6 this year. In case of any complaints of harassment and violence against people from the North East, victims and families can contact nesupportcentre@gmail.com


Bru rebels kill Mizo youth
Newmai News
 AIZAWL, Nov 13 – Tension is running high in Mizoram after suspected Bru rebels shot dead a Mizo youth identified as Zarzokima at Bungthuam today, police said.

The youth was shot dead when he and some friends were collecting animal fodder in the forest on Friday morning. The killers are suspected to have fled to Tripura.



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