ITANAGAR, Feb 24: Leaders across Arunachal Pradesh, along with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), have strongly condemned the alleged racial harassment and verbal abuse faced by three young women from the state residing in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, and have called for strict and exemplary action against those responsible.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the incident as “shameful” and “absolutely unacceptable,” asserting that such behaviour has no place in society. Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, Khandu said he spoke directly with the Commissioner of Delhi Police and sought swift and stringent action.
“Immediately after learning about the matter, I spoke with the Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police. The CP is personally in touch with me. The accused are currently absconding, and I have been assured that they will be apprehended at the earliest and dealt with as per law,” the Chief Minister stated.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he added that the safety, dignity and justice of the three women remain the highest priority, and the state stands firmly with them. “We stand firmly with our three sisters, and their safety, dignity, and justice remain our highest priority.”
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also strongly denounced the incident, terming it deeply condemnable and contrary to the spirit of unity and mutual respect that binds the nation together.
“Such shameful behaviour has no place in a civilised society. We stand firmly with our three sisters, and every possible measure will be pursued to ensure accountability,” Mein said.
Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao also expressed deep outrage over the alleged racist abuse faced by the young Arunachali women in Delhi. Condemning the act in strong words, he said insulting and humiliating young women for being from the Northeast is not just shameful; it is an attack on the very idea of India. “Such racism is disgraceful, unconstitutional, and absolutely intolerable.” He urged the Delhi Police to take strict and exemplary action against those responsible, and ensure that the culprits are booked under the relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Joining in the condemnation, Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul expressed anguish over the racial abuse and called it disgraceful and intolerable.
“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and proud part of India and our people deserve dignity, safety and respect wherever they live in the country. I urge the concerned authorities to take swift and exemplary action against those responsible and ensure the safety and well-being of the victims,” Pul stated.
Meanwhile, the APSCW issued a strong statement vehemently condemning the alleged racial harassment and verbal abuse. The Commission expressed deep concern over reports of racial slurs, intimidation and humiliation directed at the women from the Northeast, terming such acts a grave violation of constitutional values of equality, dignity and respect.
The Commission appreciated that an FIR has reportedly been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, but urged authorities to ensure a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation so that justice is delivered without delay.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the victims, the APSCW stated that any form of racial discrimination, harassment or violence against women will not be tolerated. The Commission further informed that it has formally written to the National Commission for Women (NCW), seeking immediate intervention and necessary action in coordination with the Delhi Police to ensure protection and justice for the victims.
Appealing to citizens across the country, the Commission called for upholding the spirit of unity, mutual respect and constitutional morality.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with citizens and public figures voicing support for the women and demanding strict punishment for the accused. Authorities in Delhi have reportedly launched efforts to trace the absconding accused, while senior officials are said to be closely monitoring the case.