We feel safe in Delhi, say northeast students

Students from the northeastern states across the nation may have been at the receiving end of threatening emails and messages, but many say they feel safe in Delhi.

Students from the northeastern states across the nation may have been at the receiving end of threatening emails and messages, but many say they feel safe in Delhi.

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At the 22nd Northeast Catholic Community of Delhi Freshers' Social held on Sunday, students from all eight northeastern states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura – came together to celebrate their culture and have a good time.

"I have been living in Delhi for the past eight years. Though I have been discriminated against many times, I don't feel unsafe in the city. In view of the situation in Bangalore, I think northeastern people in Delhi are safer," said Angelus Pamei, a first-year student at Shivaji College.

"While no one will say that Delhi is safe for northeastern students, I have not received any threats because of my ethnicity. I actually feel safe in Delhi as compared to my relatives in Maharashtra or Bangalore," said Jenny, a student of Delhi University, who has been living in Delhi for the last four years.

Several students came out on Sunday to participate in the Social which started off with a Sunday mass followed by choir and dance performances. A Miss and Mr Fresher segment was also part of the fest. "The total number of participants was around 700 which is higher than last year," said NR James, media coordinator for the event.

M Kithan, principal secretary, Housing Department, Chandigarh, Government of Haryana, who hails from Lotha Naga community, was the chief guest. Congratulating all freshers on starting a new chapter of their lives, he asked them to help maintain peace and harmony wherever they stayed.