Because of their distinct physical features, identity and culture, which differ from mainland Indian society, Northeasterners face discrimination - an undeniable reality. Many incidents occur across the country.

Some gain public attention only when victims speak out, but many cases never receive media coverage. Victims often hesitate to speak out due to fear or because they believe nothing will change. Many grow tired of complaining and remain silent.

It is difficult to file complaints because discrimination is faced not only from individuals but also within institutions. Even police stations often fail to take such cases seriously, which is also an act of racism.

As a former student leader, I have witnessed many such incidents where we had to confront and argue with officers just to lodge an FIR and demand the arrest of the culprits. Even after registration, investigations are delayed. Filing a complaint itself requires significant effort because authorities frequently ignore such incidents.

A clear example of institutional racism is the establishment of a Special Police Unit for Northeast people in the national capital to address grievances properly. Its existence itself indicates that ordinary institutions have failed to treat Northeasterners equally.

Numerous NGOs, student bodies and civil organisations from the Northeast operate in Delhi and other states mainly to deal with such grievances. Whenever racial discrimination occurs, Northeast communities must mobilise collectively to pressure authorities merely to arrest or punish the culprits.

People are forced to protest and mobilise. The question is: why must citizens protest just to make government agencies perform their duty?

Police themselves are often confused about which legal provisions to apply in cases of racial discrimination because India has no specific anti-racism law. Racism is not legally recognised in India.

As a result, police book cases under unrelated and weak provisions, allowing culprits to escape punishment easily. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act is one of the non-bailable laws available, but it is not a racism law.

It applies only to SC/ST communities. Many Northeast people belong to General or OBC categories, and in such cases this Act cannot be applied. The alternative sections used are usually lighter and bailable, leaving Northeasterners without proper legal protection. Strong legal action against racist offenders therefore becomes difficult.

In a recent incident, three women from Arunachal Pradesh faced racial abuse, being called sex workers, "momo" and other derogatory terms.

The accused were booked under BNS 196, which is commonly used in such cases but is not an anti-racism law. Another charge applied was BNS 79 relating to gender-based abuse, along with criminal intimidation provisions. The SC/ST Act was reportedly added later, making the case somewhat stronger.

In many situations, strong provisions are applied only after public pressure and protest. Police rely on different laws because no specific anti-racism law exists. Booking the accused does not automatically mean justice. The real question remains whether strict punishment will follow.

It is time to pressure the Indian government to enact a proper anti-racism law. Student organisations, civil society groups and MPs from the Northeast have long demanded such legislation.

After the death of Nido Tania, who was killed following a racial attack in 2014, mass protests were held across the capital and other parts of the country demanding legal protection for Northeast people. The Government of India formed the Bezbaruah Committee to study racial discrimination, which recommended creating anti-racism legislation. However, these recommendations were never passed in Parliament.

Racism does not occur only on the streets or in rented rooms. When Parliament fails to enact protective laws despite repeated demands, serious questions arise. Why does India still refuse to recognise racism? Why must Northeast people continue to beg for fair treatment and justice? Is it not the duty of law enforcement agencies and the government to protect all citizens equally?

It might take some time for social attitudes in the mainland to change, but legal protection is crucial. Institutional racism is reflected in the disregard for, and ignoring of, calls for anti-racist protection.

Strong legal provisions must be enacted through collective pressure. Although social attitudes might not shift right away, the law can offer defence and protection. Resistance will still be required for survival and dignity, and racism will persist.

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