Experiences and Realities of Mainland Indians in North East India

The question of whether mainland Indians face racism in North East India is a complex and sensitive topic. While certain regions within the north-eastern states, particularly in areas with strong indigenous cultures, harbor significant prejudices against mainland Indians, the situation is often vastly overgeneralized. It is essential to recognize that the overall narrative and experiences vary widely across different ethnic and cultural landscapes within the region.

Facing Discrimination and Bigotry

For mainland Indians who manage to survive in the north-eastern states, the landscape is often fraught with challenges. Living as second-class citizens, they endure the fear of random attacks and are systematically denied access to certain resources such as government jobs and land acquisitions in states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur. The deplorable living conditions and the constant fear can cast a shadow over their lives, especially in areas where native populations feel their culture and livelihoods are threatened.

Regional Variations in Safety and Acceptance

While the situation is fraught with challenges, it is also important to highlight regional variations. For example, Assam, despite its reputation, is often considered a safer place for mainland Indian migrants. In Assam, one can find instances where the situation is more pluralistic and less hostile. Tripura is another state where the situation is generally more welcoming. However, it is crucial to recognize that these are exceptions to a more widespread pattern of challenges faced by mainland Indians in many parts of the north-east.

Understanding Assamese Culture and Tolerance

It is disheartening to see that even among mainland Indians, there are those who may hold prejudices based on the actions of a few. However, as an Assamese, it deeply saddens me to see our community labeled in such a manner. Assam's culture is rich with compassion and does not teach discrimination. The region has a long history of accommodating people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Over the past 100 years, people from various ethnicities and backgrounds, such as Nepalis, Khasis, Bengalis, Mizos, Biharis, and Tamils, have settled in Assam and contributed positively to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the state. The native culture has always been welcoming and non-discriminatory.

Personal Experiences and Cultural Resilience

From personal experiences, I can attest that individuals from these diverse communities blended into Assamese society seamlessly. My friends from these backgrounds, whom I have known for over a decade, have never faced discrimination here. However, recent unlawful activities by certain groups have fostered a sense of distrust and suspicion among different linguistic and religious communities. Despite this, in rural Assam, people of all backgrounds receive the utmost respect from their neighbors regardless of their origin, caste, or religion.

The people of north-east India have vibrant and welcoming hearts. They respect and cherish the trust of their friends. Making assumptions based on race or ethnicity is not part of our culture. It is a land of diverse cultures where one can find camaraderie and respect among the locals.

Conclusion: While the situation for mainland Indians in certain parts of North East India is challenging, the positive contributions and integration of diverse communities into these societies show the potential for a more inclusive and tolerant future. It is essential to understand and appreciate these regional nuances to foster better understanding and acceptance.