Lok Sabha condemns attacks against North-East people

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday condemned attacks on people from the North-East in the wake of lynching of a student from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi.

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj raised the issue in the Lok Sabha and wanted the House to send out a clear message of reassurance to those hailing from the North-East, and residing in different parts of the country, of their security.

Members from across the political divide voiced concern over the death of 19-year-old Nido Taniam in Delhi last week. Speaker Meria Kumar condemned the incident and said the entire House was “one in protecting children from the North-East”.

“(The incident) needs to be condemned by the entire House and a clear message should go to the country that Parliament and members of the Lok Sabha are one in protecting children and people of the North-East. We should send this message everywhere,” she said.

In an unusual move, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Ninong Ering had given a notice for suspension of Question Hour but dropped his plans following an assurance from the Speaker that he would be allowed to speak on the matter.

Taniam, son of an Arunachal Pradesh legislator, was beaten up by shopkeepers in a south Delhi market following a quarrel over his appearance and clothing. He died in hospital January 30. The victim's friends say it was a racial attack.

Swaraj also recalled the incident of molestation of two Manipuri women in the capital.

The BJP leader said students from the North-East come to Delhi and other parts of the country due to lack of quality educational institutions in their home states.