The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, strongly condemned the recent incident of racist slurs directed at residents from Arunachal Pradesh in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, calling the episode "truly unfortunate" and "completely unacceptable in today's world."
Reacting to the incident that has sparked outrage across the Northeast, Sangma said the language, words, and body language reportedly used against the Arunachali citizens were deeply disturbing and had no place in a diverse country like India.
"The kind of language that was used and the way it was put is very sad and completely unacceptable," the chief minister said, adding that such behavior undermines the collective progress of the nation.
"As a state, as a region, as a country, as we are working towards moving forward together, these kinds of statements and behavior only put us back two steps."
Emphasizing the need for mutual respect in a pluralistic society, Sangma said there could be no excuse for racism or discrimination. He noted that while condemning the incident, society at large must also introspect and practice the values it advocates.
"In a diverse nation like India, we need to respect each other. We must practice what we preach. This has to be universal — whether citizens are from the rest of the country or from the Northeast region or from wherever — without respect and dignity for others, there is no way we will see our country progress the way we want it to," he said.
The chief minister appealed to political and community leaders in Delhi to take serious steps to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. He also called for greater awareness programs to address prejudice and ignorance that often fuel such behavior.
Sangma urged people from the Northeast to speak out and support one another, clarifying that speaking out did not mean attacking others but promoting awareness and solidarity.
"Speaking out means supporting one another. It means appealing to others not to do this. It means creating awareness among people who may not understand that such things should not happen," he said, adding that some individuals may not fully comprehend the hurt caused by racist remarks.
Reiterating his solidarity with the victims, Sangma assured that the Meghalaya government stands firmly with the women from Arunachal Pradesh who faced the alleged abuse.
"From our side, whatever we can do to support our sisters from Arunachal Pradesh, we are always there. I am always there. Whenever necessary, we will take up the matter at the highest level," he stated.