By Jose Kavi
New Delhi, Feb 26, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has joined political and social leaders to condemn “the shameful act of racial abuse and harassment” of girls from northeastern India in the national capital.
“Such repeated incidents in different parts of our country are unacceptable and a blot on our rich and diverse cultural heritage,” asserted the conference in a press statement on February 26.
A day earlier, the Delhi Police arrested a woman in connection with an alleged incident of racial abuse and criminal intimidation involving three women tenants from Arunachal Pradesh in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area.
The tenants were reportedly getting electrical installation done at their rented fourth-floor flat when dust and debris from the drilling fell into the premises below, triggering an altercation with their neighbours.
The women, in their police complaint, alleged that the accused verbally abused them, made derogatory and racial remarks targeting their northeastern identity, used objectionable language, insulted their modesty and issued threats.
“We appreciate the prompt action taken by the Delhi police in this matter. We request the Union Government and all state governments to sensitize the general public about the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of Northeast India, and ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens, particularly those from Northeast,” said the statement issued by Father Robinson Rodrigues, the public relations officer of the bishops’ conference.
It also said the conference stood firmly against all types of discrimination and harassment. “We believe that every citizen has the right to live with dignity and respect, regardless of their origin or background,” the statement asserted.
It also urged fellow citizens to promote unity, understanding, and respect for diversity, and to stand together against such shameful acts.
On February 25, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met with the Arunachali women and promised to take “strictest action” against those involved. “There is absolutely no place for hatred, discrimination, intimidation, or racial abuse in Delhi. Such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” she wrote on X.
Earlier, chief ministers of northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Sikkim had called for exemplary action against those racially abusing people from their region in the country.
Reacting to the Malaviya Nagar incident, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said such behaviour was unacceptable and had no place in society. “We stand firmly with our three sisters, and their safety, dignity, and justice remain our highest priority,” he added.
His Sikkim counterpart, Prem Singh Tamang, said the unfortunate Malviya Nagar incident remind the importance of upholding dignity and mutual respect at all times. “The northeast is an integral part of our nation, and every citizen deserves dignity, equality, and respect,” he asserted.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said discrimination against people from the northeast must stop. Apart from the New Delhi incident, he cited the “racial and sexual abuse” of a resident doctor of AIIMS Gorakhpur from Nagaland.
The national capital has reported several cases of northeast discrimination in the past several years.
On January 8, Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, died in a hospital, nearly 17 days after some men attacked her.
On the day Chakma died, Arjun Rimo from Arunachal Pradesh, was allegedly assaulted in Karol Bagh, central Delhi, following a verbal argument at a meat shop where racial slurs were reportedly used.
On January 29, 2014, Nido Taniam, a 20-year-old student from Arunachal Pradesh, was beaten to death in Lajpat Nagar after resisting racial taunts about his appearance. The case led to the formation of the Bezbaruah Committee by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the concerns of people from the Northeast living in other parts of India.