Support cell in Delhi Sect sought for safety of NE people

The setting up of a support cell in the Delhi secretariat to "create awareness" on the problems faced by the people of the Northeastern states is among several suggestions made today by an amicus before the Delhi High Court to ensure their safety in the national capital.
The recommendations were made by senior advocate Upmanyu Hazarika, appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court, also included immediate implementation of recommendations of former bureaucrat headed M P Bezbaruah committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, following a spate of attacks against people from the region living in Delhi.
The suggestions were submitted before the bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw which said it would take up the matter on next date of hearing on July 8.

The suggestions also include implementation of recommendations made by Lieutenant Governor's committee to address problems faced by the people from the region in Delhi.
"The Delhi government should have a close tie-up with Delhi police nodal officer for North East people in Delhi for redressing crimes, SOS help, prosecution, labour-related matters, education and other issues faced by northeast people," the recommendation suggested by Hazarika said.
It also recommended that members from North East should be appointed to the commissions for women and minorities.

"The minister of SC/ST may be designated as the nodal minister for dealing with problems faced by Northeast people and may hold monthly meeting with all northeast NGOs, women activists, students leaders, social/cultural organisations," it said.

The recommendation also suggested constitution of fast- track courts for day-to-day trial of cases of racial crimes, rape, murder and kidnapping against the people from these states.
On January 14, the court had asked the government and the amicus to give their suggestions to curb alleged hate crimes and racial discrimination against the people from Northeastern states and said that the government needs to "play a proactive role" in this.