Manipur woman who was spat on calls for stringent anti-racial laws

In an exclusive interview with senior journalist Chandrakala, the 25-year-old woman from Manipur, who recently faced racial discrimination and was spat on in the national capital, called for stringent anti-racial laws to put an end to continuous acts of racism against northeastern citizens.

New Delhi: What came as a shocking incident amid the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus is the incident where a 25-year-old girl from Manipur alleged that a man spat on her and called her 'corona' in the Vijayanagar area of North-west Delhi, that has sparked anger and apprehension among the northeastern citizens.

In an exclusive telephonic interview with ETV Bharat, the victim said, "After the incident, we immediately complained to SPUNER, Delhi Police and they filed a FIR under IPC section 509. Although the investigation is being carried out and CCTV footage is being checked to identify the man, I think that's not satisfactory. I urge for a strict anti-racial legislation to be amended to put a stop to such hideous acts."

"Me and my friend were on our way back to the PG after shopping for groceries from Vijayanagar, when a scooty came towards us driven by an unidentified man. I had a gut feeling that something wrong would happen and to my utter dismay, he spat on my face, with the half-chewed guthka pan going into my eyes, and shouted ‘çorona’ that left me traumatised," the 25-year-old told ETV Bharat.

The incident has brought forwards another ugly side of the crisis when the whole world is fighting the pandemic COVID -19, which originated in China. The northeastern populace has been at the receiving end of unscrupulous racism in the country.

Read: Manipuri woman spat on, called 'Corona'

"Many northeastern people went back home due to the pandemic and it has become a life-threatening situation for us as we have to deal with the fear of coronavirus as well as such behaviour on a daily basis. What about the fear, anxiety and trauma we go through? Are there enough laws to tackle with it?" she further added.

Meanwhile, Hibu Tamang, DIG, Special Police Unit Northeast Region (SPUNER) of Delhi Police informed that Delhi police is taking care of it and that it is the mindset of the people that needs to be changed.

"Very unfortunate that such activities are taking place, but an investigation is going on. So far, we have received 10 such cases. We have activated our team to go to the spot and help the local police in this regard. Moreover, this matter has been brought to the notice of the Centre," he added.

Several students' associations have condemned the brutal act in the national capital.

• To the chap who zipped by on his bike shouting "Aye #CoronaVirus" at me, let me give you a hug and show you that all I have to give you is love 🤗 (after this phase of social distancing is over, please).

  — Ｍｉｓｔｅｒ　Ｃｈａｎｇ (@MeiyangChang) March 18, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  To the chap who zipped by on his bike shouting "Aye #CoronaVirus" at me, let me give you a hug and show you that all I have to give you is love 🤗 (after this phase of social distancing is over, please).

  — Ｍｉｓｔｅｒ　Ｃｈａｎｇ (@MeiyangChang) March 18, 2020

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  To the chap who zipped by on his bike shouting "Aye #CoronaVirus" at me, let me give you a hug and show you that all I have to give you is love 🤗 (after this phase of social distancing is over, please).

  — Ｍｉｓｔｅｒ　Ｃｈａｎｇ (@MeiyangChang) March 18, 2020

This is not just one incident, as several other northeastern people, including social activist Alana Golmei, and singer Meiyang Chang have shared their stories of racial harassment so far.

Such heinous acts are not only hampering the social fabric of the country but also creating fear psychosis among the masses.

Read: AIFF determined to take 'appropriate action' against referee for racial slur

Undoubtedly, India's northeast is a land of natural beauty, breathtaking scenic views, and amazing amalgamation of culture that makes the region stand out as inseparable from the rest of the country, but what is condemnable is that the people of the region are falling prey to utmost racism in different parts of the country.

Lack of knowledge and better understanding of the region and its ethnic diversity is often cited as the reasons why the region faces issues of being ignored and isolated. It has become too common for the people to be called inappropriate words questioning their looks and hair dos.