NE people introspect on Nido's death anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, January 30 2015 : On the first death anniversary of Nido Tania— a student from Arunachal Pradesh who was brutally beaten to death in the night of January 29 last year— the North East population, mostly youth, gathered in remembrance and held a joint commemoration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi this afternoon.

Spiritual songs and prayers were offered to the departed soul.

It may be recalled that last year the death of Nido Tania had spark massive reaction from the NE youths and communities, across Delhi, that resonated even in other parts of the country.

Four accused have been arrested.

The trial Court in September last year dropped charges under the SC/ST Act against the accused, saying the prosecution failed to establish that it was a case of "racial slur." The Court had said that there is no evidence to show the victim was a member of Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.

During the filing of the chargesheet, the CBI had dropped the murder charges against the accused, saying the killing was not premeditated but a result of an altercation over the breaking of a glass counter at a shop in the market.

North East students gather on the death anniversary of Nido Tania

Subsequently Nido's father Nido Pavitra, a Congress legislator from Arunachal Pradesh early this month moved the Delhi High Court against the trial Court's order for dropping charges under the stringent SC/ST Act against the accused.

Former MP from Arunachal Pradesh, Takam Sanjoy told The Sangai Express that "we (with the parents of the deceased) will demand for re-investigation of the case.

We (and the parents) had requested the CBI to take over the case but it has turned out to be unexpected and unsatisfactory and surprising how the case is developing" .

A year later now, the magnitude and momentum of mass protest has died down but the sense of discrimination in the metro cities still rings in the air.

In the aftermath of Nido's case a high profile Committee under MP Bezbaruah was formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to look into the reasons for such continued crimes against people hailing from North East India and provide a recommendation for measures to tackle the same.

The much hyped Bezbaruah Committee had submitted its reports and recommendations in July last year.

While the report was made secret, the Home Ministry later exhibited the report on its website, apparently fearing protest and mass uproar.

Some of the key recommendations of the Bezbaruah Committee which the MHA is looking towards implementation includes recruitment of NE youth into the police forces.

Another is organizing events such as cultural festivals and showcasing NE culture and traditions.

Another key point under considerations is amendments of Section 153 and Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code.

Other recommendations under considerations include, exchange programme, setting up of police special units and help lines, inclusion of NE history in the school and university curricula.

An official in the Home Ministry on condition of anonymity stated that several measures have been taken up.

A regular interaction session on North East for new recruit police officers was conducted.

Various private and public universities have conducted special talks and lecture on North East India.

Moreover a North East Trade Union has also been formed under the Delhi Police North East cell.

Many youth have also been recruited as Delhi Police representatives/volunteers to tackle emergency and immediate actions.

Moreover, it may be noted that several North East festivals and cultural shows have been organized in the capital and other parts of India.

It may also be recalled that back in May 2012 the MHA had already issued an advisory to all the State Home Departments, Chief Secretaries, the DGs/IGs, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, DoNER, National Commission for ST.

Among others, the advisory underlined the role of the police as the first respondent and hence the need for immediate action by State Governments and recommended sensitization of police personnel and punishment of public servant found lacking in dispensing their duty.

Besides this, the MHA advisory spelled out a strong measure; zero tolerance on crime against weaker section, such as the NE communities.

While problem solving is a far cry, it may be mentioned that after Nido Tania's death there were over 500 cases reported to Delhi police between the months of February and June alone in 2014.Recalling from 2005, it may also be underlined that except the two cases of 2005 and 2010 Dhaula Kuan gangrape case, none of the cases related to North East people have so far been disposed off.