New Delhi: For many people from Northeast states living in Delhi, the fear of being singled out because of their appearance or identity remains an everyday reality. They say even years of living, studying and working in the city have not erased the feeling of being treated as outsiders.The recent killing of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in southeast Delhi has brought their concerns back into focus. While there is so far no evidence linking Singh’s death to his identity, many from the community said the incident had made them face their insecurities again.When TOI visited Humayunpur near the NCC gate and its market streets in Safdarjung Enclave Friday, many residents from Northeast states declined to discuss the issue of discrimination, calling such experiences are too sensitive for them.Many residents said they had grown accustomed to ignoring remarks about their facial features and appearance, being mocked or being questioned about where they belong. Some said they avoided responding to strangers even when they felt harassed, as they couldn’t predict how the other person might react.For both young and old who have spent years in Delhi, such experiences can be alienating. Being treated differently in a city they consider home often makes them wonder whether they can ever feel completely accepted, most of them said.Oinam, a student at Delhi University who has been living here for four years, said, “People enjoy our food and culture, but that acceptance does not always extend to us as people. We only want to be able to live here without constantly thinking about how others will react to the way we look or where we come from.”The casual nature of some remarks that people from the Northeast encounter in their daily lives also bothers Ningthoujam Priya, another resident. “For us, these things become part of everyday life. Sometimes people make comments or jokes about our appearance without realising how hurtful they can be,” she said. “We want people to understand that we are also part of this country and deserve the same respect as anyone else.”A 39-year-old man working with a private company, who did not wish to be named, said the issue is ultimately about people being able to feel safe where they live.“It is not about choosing between Delhi and our home states; we want to be able to live safely in the country we call our own,” he said. “We are tired of having to explain that people from the Northeast are Indians too and our appearance or place of origin does not make us outsiders.”
