An Incident that made me realized India is still a racist country

Teresa Arambam *

Protest ride by Bikers Against Racial Discrimination at Bangalore in February, 2014

People from Northeast India have always been victims to racism in other parts of the country.

Humans have classified themselves according to their cultures, caste, culture, skin complexions etc. This mere division is just to prove themselves stronger or superior.

We should understand that there is only one race, and that is the human race. People become racist due to lack of respect and understanding of each other. I have been a victim of racism.

People must know that there is a thick line between joke and offensive words. Students of northeast mostly pursue their studies in states like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, etc.

If one doesn't feel safe in their country, then it shows the defects of a country.

It is a fact that the northeast people are a Mongolian race, so they tend to have a similar face like that of China. People from many states mistakes us for the Chinese.

Yes, some may be offended as they do not recognize us as Indians or some may neglect it.

Using slangs, racial slurs and abusing towards anyone won't bring up their life value. I have heard many incidents which happened in many states.

The conflict which occurred in Bangalore, the brutal killing of Richard Loitam is an example of the never-ending racism towards Northeast people.

When enquired about any incident the main answer people give is that we look like Chinese, Thai, Japanese. The answer is not a decent excuse to be given to the victim.

The Supreme Court has issued an order to the government not to let go matters of racial abuse and discrimination against North East Indians. However, a significant number of people tend to avoid it.

I would like to bestow my experience with the people. I had been to a University to get some work done. The person who gave me the documents called me ‘Full C****i.’

Individuals who use the racial word ‘C****i can land in jail for five years and will be unbailable if the Union home ministry accepts a recommendation of the MK Bezbaruah panel to amend the Indian Penal Code.

It was published in one of the mostly read English dailies of India, The Times of India. I was not abused nor hurt by them, but I was offended by it. In the IPC two new sections were brought to light the people, Section 153-C, and Section 509-A.

In these sections, a person isn’t allowed to speak or write which hurts a person’s dignity which is the form of discrimination towards the individual.

People from the Northeast should unite together. Often we see that we are judged upon our clothing, eyes, facial structure etc. It is a tendency of a human being to judge one another.

A youngster was killed only because of a small fight about a haircut. Nido Tania, a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, was made fun by the shopkeepers for his haircut.

This incident brings out the line between joke and being offended. After the incident, the heat of the situation died down in a short period.

I think media should focus on the discrimination faced by the people. It might also help to make the people more understand about it.

One change is enough to alter the situation in the society. It could be one compliment, one apology, one smile. It could be anything. The possibilities are endless to make one simple change.

I have also experienced many positive responses from the different states. I have seen people welcoming us wholeheartedly. But the small matters of discrimination sometimes lead to death or abuse.

So, social media should also play a significant role in this issue. Minor students groups are formed in different states like Bangalore, Mysore, Delhi, etc.

Race, caste, culture should not bring division to the people as we are all human.