'Will not tolerate racial abuse': CM Pema Khandu lashes out at three women in Delhi

A neighboring couple allegedly used racial slurs and abusive language against three young women from Arunachal Pradesh living in Delhi's Malviya Nagar. The incident occurred on February 20th, when drilling to install an air conditioner in the women's flat caused dust to fall onto the floor below. This small matter escalated into a dispute, and neighbors Harsh Singh and his wife, Ruby Jain, hurled racial slurs at the women.

The matter came to light after a video went viral. In the video, the accused couple can be heard calling the women "gutter-chhaap," "go sell momos," "have you opened a massage parlor?", and "northeasterners are shit." One of the women said, "Because we look different and can't speak Hindi properly, they think we don't belong in this country. They think the police will protect us."

One of the women is preparing for the UPSC exam and has been living in Delhi-NCR for over two years. They said the dispute was minor, but the language and behavior gave it a racial overtone. They said, "We are Indian citizens, but people think we are from China or some other country."

FIR registered, accused absconding

An FIR has been registered at the Malviya Nagar police station. The case is registered under sections 79 (using language insulting the modesty of a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention), and 196 (promoting enmity on grounds of race, place of birth, etc.) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 196 is non-bailable and cognizable.

Police said the accused are still absconding and will be arrested soon. No physical injuries were reported, but the women have complained of mental harassment and humiliation.

Racial insults against our three young sisters...

Arunachal CM takes strong stand. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu strongly condemned the incident. He wrote on X, "I strongly condemn the shameful incident of racial slurs against our three young sisters. Such behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society."

He spoke to the Delhi Police Commissioner and demanded swift and strict action. Khandu said, "The accused are absconding, but I have been assured that they will be arrested soon and action will be taken as per the law. The safety, dignity, and justice of our sisters is our top priority."

No injustice against the people of the Northeast...

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "This incident is deeply disturbing. The transformation of a small domestic issue into racial slurs and threats is shameful." He spoke to the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and the Delhi Police and assured them that no injustice against the people of the Northeast will be tolerated.

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also called it "deeply condemnable." Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also condemned the incident. Gogoi said, "This incident cannot be considered a normal dispute."

It is noteworthy that this incident is a reminder of the racial discrimination faced by people from the Northeast. The women have demanded an apology and respect. A police investigation is underway, and further action is expected in the case.