Nagaland: Hekani flays racial abuse of NE people

Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu has strongly condemned recent incidents of racial abuse and discrimination against people from the North East in mainland India and called for an immediate end to such treatment.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a programme in Chümoukedima, Hekani asserted that “enough is enough” and reiterated her long-standing opposition to racial discrimination. She recalled her efforts during her time in Delhi when she, along with other young leaders from the region, formed North East Leaders Connect.
According to Hekani, the platform was created by emerging leaders from the North East to collectively raise their voice, highlight the region’s strengths and contributions, and promote greater awareness across the country. She clarified that the initiative was never intended to function as an activist movement but rather as a constructive space for dialogue and mutual understanding.
“We do not want sympathy from people. What we want is respect. People from the Northeast are equally worthy of respect like any other citizen in the country,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to speak out against racial discrimination in all its forms.
On the directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating the singing of “Vande Mataram”, which has sparked debate in Nagaland, Hekani said the stand of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the public was clear and unanimous in its opposition.
She noted that Assembly members, reflecting widespread public sentiment, had firmly opposed the directive but stressed that the matter must follow due legislative procedure.
“The Assembly cannot behave like an activist group. There is a procedure, and that process has to be completed,” Hekani said, adding that the issue would continue to be addressed through the formal legislative process.