NE folks at receiving end of racism : Ex-MLAs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2026: Ex-MLA RK Anand has categorically stated that the recent murder of guitarist Chongtham Vikram in New Delhi is yet another manifestation of the discrimination and racism faced by people from North East India and a catalyst for reinforcing the perception that people from the region are not regarded as Indians.

Addressing the media at his residence at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai today, Anand claimed that people in mainland India are envious of the achievements of people from the North East in sports, art and culture, and education.

NE folks at receiving end of racism : Ex-MLAs

Further claiming that people from North East India have long faced racism and discrimination outside the region, the ex-MLA maintained that such attitudes substantiate the impression that people from Manipur and other North Eastern States are not treated as Indians.

He also expressed suspicion that some sections of people are deliberately provoking people from the North East with a hidden agenda to facilitate the balkanisation of the country.

Anand also said that many people from the region who have been subjected to racism and discrimination in mainland India are yet to get justice.

People from the North East continue to face racial harassment despite the presence of a separate police unit in Delhi to prevent such incidents, he said.

Urging the Central Government to take befitting action against those responsible for Vikram's killing and send a strong message that racism and discrimination in any form will not be tolerated, he added that more people from the North East would become victims of racial harassment if the Centre fails to act.

Saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's failure to condemn Vikram's killing in the National Capital is unacceptable, Anand maintained that the country's Prime Minister should have condemned the incident.

He also said that a separate legislation is needed to ensure the safety and security of people from the North East living in mainland India.

Veteran politician Okram Joy, who also attended the press briefing, condemned Vikram's killing.

He said that many people from the North East have died in incidents of racial violence in mainland India, including former Nongthombam Chaoba, who was found brutally killed after going missing in Delhi.

He also said that a son of former Minister Moirangthem Okendro was also killed in New Delhi.

Moreover, the mysterious death of Pravish Chanam after he went missing from a concert venue in Noida sparked widespread outrage and protests over alleged police negligence and the safety of people from North East India, he added.

He called for unity among the people of the region and civil society organisations in seeking justice for Vikram.

He also appealed to the Centre and the State Government to ensure justice for Vikram and his family.