PM condemns killing of Arunachal student, promises safety

Strongly condemning the killing of a student from Arunachal Pradesh here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today promised punishment to the guilty and effective protection to people from the North East and other parts of the country in the national capital.

Observing that "human values, amity in society, and the unity and integrity" are at stake, he said all citizens should work together to ensure that "our brothers and sisters from the North East" feel safe and secure in Delhi.

"The attack on Nido Taniam, the student from Arunachal Pradesh, is most condemnable," Singh said in a statement while commenting on the death of the Arunachal Pradesh MLA's 19- year-old son last week after he was allegedly beaten up by some shopkeepers following an altercation sparked by their taunts on his hairstyle.

He said while the actual cause of Nido's death will be known only after the autopsy report is received, "the violence which preceded his demise is tragic and shameful".

The Prime Minister said his government will make "every possible effort to punish the guilty and to provide effective protection to students and citizens from other parts of the country, especially the North East, who visit or reside in Delhi."

Singh noted that all political parties in Parliament have affirmed that every Indian should ensure that fellow citizens from the North East feel safe and that every part of the country welcomes them.

"What is at stake is human values, amity in society, and the unity and integrity of the country," he observed.

"New Delhi is the national capital and a diverse and vibrant city, enriched by people from all over the country who have made it their home.

"People from other parts of the country like the North East are as much a part of the city as anyone else. All citizens need to work together to ensure that our brothers and sisters from the North East feel safe and secure in Delhi," he said.