When silent suffering becomes a crime
Richard Loitam, a 19-year-old engineering student, who was studying in Bangalore, was brutally killed.
No immediate action was taken by the authorities of the institution to trace the culprits or those involved in the gruesome act.
Instead, he was accused of being a “drug abuser”.
People across the country, in Imphal, Bangalore, Pune, Gwalior and Calcutta have been protesting against this and clamouring for justice.
Why can’t the government or the authorities take action and put the accused behind bars?
Why do we have to protest seeking justice?
Meghalaya girl Dana Sangma committed suicide as she was accused of cheating by the examiner. Why are northeastern students targeted or discriminated against?
There have been many Richards who lost their lives in a similar manner and justice was denied to their families. Why are the lawmakers and justice providers sitting idle?
We have to lead a life of fear within our own country.
People outside are ignorant about the seven sister states and their people.
Why do the children from the Northeast have to become victims of rape and murder outside their own states?
Arantxa Talukdar, student, Sankriti the Gurukul,Guwahati
I would like to express grave concern for the insecurity of the northeastern students in the capital.
The insecurity of the students has become a nightmare for all of those who are willing to be a part of the mainstream to pursue higher education in Delhi and in other metros.
Take the example of the most recent incident of Richard Loitam.
I want to ask a single question.
Is the life of students from this part of the region so cheap? Why are they are killed so mercilessly?
Every student who aspires to move out for better and higher education outside their own state is scared of all these events happening in these places.
I wish to draw the attention of the University Grants Commission (UGC), so that it can take more stringent measures and disciplinary action against those who commit such heinous acts.
Surabhi Chakraborty, Rehabari
