Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, October 20:
A �North East Support Centre and Helpline� has advocated a joint initiative by social activists, lawyers, student organisations and journalists to extend help when required and take measures to prevent harassment and abuse meted to students and young workers from North East India employed in the National Capital Region.
The official launching of the Support Centre and Helpline held at Press Club of India today was graced by Principal of St Stephen College Rev Valson Thampu, member of National Integration Council Dr John Dayal, Chairman of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations Dr Udit Raj, secretary general of Press Club of India Pushpendra Kulshrestha and several political and civil dignitaries from the North Eastern States, informed a release.
The need for an NE Support Centre and Helpline has risen because of the phenomenal rise in the number of young people coming to the National Capital and other cities in this region in search of higher education, professional training and employment.
The massive increase in the retail trade and new businesses offer an attractive opportunity to the hard working youth of the now Eight Sisters States.
However, there are several issues that have also arisen, There have been instances of harassment at the work place, in the market place and in public transport systems.
There is need for sensitizing the police and the authorities to these issues.
The victims need immediate assistance, legal aid and counselling.
Above all, they need an immediate response.
This is what the Support Centre and Helpline proposes to do with the assistance of volunteers, NGOs and the existing student groups from this region, it added.
Obviously, the Support Centre and Helpline will also respond to emergencies affecting anyone else, including youths and working women from other tribal communities.
A delegation of prominent individuals including from the North East also appraised the matter to officials concerned in the National capital.
Dr John Dayal along with former Member of Parliament from Nagaland S Sangtam and Madhu Chandra, Regional Secretary of All India Christian Council, had a meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner YS Dadwal, IPS on August this year and submitted a memorandum on the harassment of North East people living in Delhi.
SC/ST Confederation chief Dr Udit Raj extended support to North East people and criticised the Delhi police for singling out the Northeast people in Delhi by seeking to define their dress modes and food
preferences.
The NE Support Centre and Helpline can be reached at 9868184939, 9818314146, 9868157066 and 9810554901 and can be contacted at [email protected] and information will be made available at www.nesupportcentre.blogspot.com.
NE Support Centre and Helpline is supported by All India Christian Council, All India Catholic Union, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisation, United Christian Action and North East Students� United Forum, Delhi.