As India deals with the rise in COVID-19 cases, another issue is being highlighted on social media. Indians from the Northeast are, reportedly, being subjected to racist attacks. This week a 20-year-old girl from the Indian state of Manipur, was brutally attacked by some locals in Gurugram, just for passing through the locality.
Reportedly, Chong Hoi Misao was called "Corona," before being beaten up with sticks.
News reports of the incident, and photographs of the bruises suffered by Misao, went viral on social media, sparking outrage.
According to a report on thequint.com, "Misao was brutally attacked by some locals from Faizapur, Gurugram in Haryana just for passing through the locality on Sunday afternoon, May 10. She was there to meet a friend and have lunch, according to Joel, a close friend of the victim."
"While returning, she was stopped by an elderly woman, who rudely interrupted her from passing through the road, stating that it was private property. She abused her in a racially-charged tone deterring her from passing by the street in front of her house, said Joel."
News website eastmojo.com reported that: "After the altercation, all the family members of the woman, which included the daughter-in-law and her son, came forward and started hitting her with sticks. Some of the sticks even landed on Misao’s head which rendered her unconscious. She was then rescued by some local people who then called up the police."
'Told to compromise'
Expecting justice, when they reached the police station, Misao was in for more disappointment.
Instead of taking her case seriously, "the police officials told Misao to compromise,” said Joel.
A distressed Misao then called the North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH) and then its members reached the place of attack around 8:30 pm.
Surprisingly, the incident took place just two days after the central government assured the Supreme Court of India that it will take action, on incidents of racial attack on the people from Northeast, on May 8.
Outraged tweeps said, racism of any kind, especially against people of one's own country, should not be tolerated.
Sharing the report, tweep @mynameswatik posted: “This cannot be tolerated. This is racism and needs to be called out. The attackers must be jailed."
@SubarnaBose3 tweeted: "Action should be taken against such shame full act Pouting face Being a democratic country... the racism that our Indians are facing is hateful."
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the media reports about the incident.
FIR lodged
Member of the NESCH took the victim to immediate medical care and a woman police official went to take her statement and lodged an First Information Report.
Sections 323, (which stands to punish those who cause harm voluntarily), 34 (for a criminal act done by several persons with common intention), and 341 (for wrongful restraint), of the Indian Penal Code, were added to the FIR.
Reportedly, as of now, the victim is seeking medical treatment and is waiting for her CT scan results.
