Police booklet for India’s Northeast students triggers protests

New Delhi, Sunday, 15 (PTI): A Delhi Police booklet suggesting a code of conduct for students and visitors from the northeast has sparked outrage among people from the region, with an MP planning to take up the issue with the Union Home Ministry.

While a section of the people from the northeast termed the booklet, titled ‘Security Tips for Northeast Students/ Visitors in Delhi’ issued by the West District Police, as “helpful”, many have taken strong exception to what they described as its “insensitive” advice.

The booklet advises girls from the region to avoid wearing any “revealing dress” and has suggestions about cooking “smelly” food without creating a “ruckus” in the neighbourhood.

“If they are dictating food habits and a dress code, then it is a cultural imposition,” said Khiren Rijju, a Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh. “If it is true, I will meet Home Minister Shivraj Patil and lodge a strong protest,” he said.

“We strongly object to the remarks on food and dress. These comments are not in the proper spirit,” said Savanai, vice-president of the Naga Students Union.

Subhromitra Gogoi, the secretary of the National Students Union of India who hails from Assam, said the booklet was helpful for northeastern students coming to Delhi but police should not have given suggestions on food habits and dress.

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