ITANAGAR, Jun 11 :The Speakers of the north-eastern states on Friday unanimously resolved to meet and submit a joint memorandum to the central leaders seeking early initiation of a comprehensive action plan to put an end to the repeated racial discriminations being faced by the people of north east in the mainland.
The decision to this effect came following a virtual meeting of Speakers of north-east held under the chairmanship of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Pasang D Sona in the wake of racial remarks against sitting Arunachal MLA Ninong Ering by a YouTuber from Ludhiana, Punjab recently.
Chairing the meeting, Sona, who is also the Chairman of CPA India Region Zone III, expressed grave concern over the racial discrimination and hatred being faced by the people of north east in the mainland.  
Citing examples of recent racial remarks against the sitting MLA, Sona said that this is not the first time this has happened. “People of northeast always face racial discrimination in various forms because of their appearances,” he said, adding that the need of the hour is that leaders of northeast should stand united and demand for a comprehensive action plan to put an end to  racial discrimination.
In this regard, Sona suggested an inclusion of an exclusive chapter on the region – its geography, culture, ethnicity and lifestyle of people of northeast in NCERT and other text books of all educational institutions.
Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh stated that the issue is very serious and leaders of entire northeast states are equally concerned. He suggested taking up the matter jointly with the central leaders for a permanent solution.
Stating that racial discrimination against the people of northeast is not a new topic but an age old one, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo also said that every northeast people face this situation and it is high time to stand together.
The Nagaland Speaker also echoed similar concern and stated that people of northeast are part and parcel of the union of India and  should not be treated like second class citizens.
Assam and Tripura also expressed serious concern over the repeated racial discrimination against the people of northeast.
“Northeast people are physically and mentally abused every now and then because of their facial appearance and it should stop,” they stated.
Meanwhile, the Speakers unanimously agreed to meet and submit a joint memorandum to the central leaders demanding action and way forward to put an end to the persisting problem of racial discrimination.  

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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