The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, March 23, directed all states to take appropriate legal action against those who harass people from the Northeast by linking them with the novel coronavirus. The MHA’s directive came amid the rising number of such cases against people from the North East.
“There have been cases where people from Northeast have been harassed by linking them to COVID-19. This is racially discriminatory, inconvenient and painful to them,” the advisory said.
“It is requested that all law enforcing agencies in your state, UT may please be sensitised to take appropriate action in cases of harassment when these are reported,” it added.
The Ministry’s advisory comes a day after a Manipur woman was spat on and called “corona” in northwest Delhi’s Vijay Nagar area by an unidentified man.
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, several citizens from the Northeast, including athletes and sportspersons, have been facing racial discrimination.
According toThe Indian Express, in Delhi University’s North Campus, a student was hit by a water balloon on Holi and called “corona”. In another case in the national capital, a woman from the North East was chased out of a Pandara Road restaurant by guests.
Last week, in separate incidents in Kolkata, three students from Darjeeling had faced racial remarks linked to coronavirus.
“I’m sad to see such racial discrimination in many parts of India. Anyone whoever discriminates people of other community, region, religion or race are the real enemy virus. All the State Govts must take strict action as per the direction of the Govt of India,” Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted on Tuesday, March 24, sharing a picture of the MHA advisory.
I’m sad to see such racial discrimination in many parts of India. Anyone whoever discriminates people of other community, region, religion or race are the real enemy virus. All State Govt must take strict action as per the direction of the Govt of India.https://t.co/GZAwV6Q68Ppic.twitter.com/v8iU4xXDuA
Also Read:Kolkata: Darjeeling Students Face ‘Racial Taunts’ Linked To Coronavirus In 3 Separate Incidents