Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday expressed deep shock over the alleged racial abuse of three women from Arunachal Pradesh in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, terming the incident “an assault on our collective dignity” and demanding strict action against those responsible.

Taking to social media platform X on February 24, Biren Singh said he was “deeply disturbed” by reports that the women were subjected to racial slurs and derogatory remarks in Malviya Nagar. The incident has once again spotlighted concerns over the safety and dignity of people from the Northeast residing in the national capital.

Condemning the alleged act, Singh said such behaviour was “completely unacceptable” and had no place in a diverse and democratic country like India. He asserted that racism against any Northeasterner amounted to an attack on the nation’s collective identity and values.

“Racism against any North Easterner is an assault on our collective dignity. I strongly condemn this act and urge the concerned authorities to ensure swift and strict action,” he wrote, stressing the need for accountability.

The reported incident in South Delhi has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many users demanding stringent legal action and enhanced safeguards for citizens from the Northeast living in metropolitan cities. Civil society groups have repeatedly raised concerns over racial profiling and discrimination faced by people from the region in various parts of the country.