Pain of racism can be felt from Delhi to Shillong

Editor,

While the incident of racial abuse narrated by the woman from Meghalaya is an experience that she has not liked at all and has left her heartbroken, it is also important to acknowledge that discrimination and prejudice are not one-sided phenomena.

The heartbreaking experiences this woman from Meghalaya shared—being targeted with racial slurs in New Delhi, not once but twice in a single day—serve as a stark reminder of how far we have to go in combating prejudice. Her words about feeling like she does not belong in India cut deep, akin to some communities who live in Shillong and elsewhere in Meghalaya and are also made to feel that they do not belong to that region due to the prejudiced and inhuman attitude of the local tribesmen. No one should ever have to endure such dehumanising treatment based on their appearance or origin.

While her pain is valid and demands accountability from those in Delhi, it is worth noting that racial comments and discrimination are hurled daily at several communities in Shillong and across Meghalaya by members of the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia communities.

Reports of verbal abuse, exclusion and even physical attacks during rallies highlight how mainland Indians are often labelled ‘dkhars’ or outsiders, treated as second-class citizens, and face ‘reverse racism’ in everyday interactions.

Forums and personal accounts from North Indians in the Northeast echo similar sentiments of alienation, with slurs and mockery making them feel unwelcome in regions they have moved to for work or education.

It is a vicious cycle, but breaking it starts with mutual recognition: racism wounds everyone it touches, regardless of who is wielding it. Let us push for zero tolerance on all fronts, from Delhi’s streets to Shillong’s markets, so no one has to question their belonging again.

Yours etc.,

A Shillongite

Banner image by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/text-6257648/