By Okram Pinky Devi
When you think of India what comes to mind? India, a land of diversity, India, a land of Sunny Beaches, Hilly Mountains, Vibrant Festivals, Temples and Wildlife. India is highly diverse in its languages, religions, castes and cultures but believes in Vasudev Kutumbkam i.e. entire world is like a family. In spite of the cultural diversity, we can see people of different cultures residing together with respect to each other’s cultural traditions. India holds a great cultural heritage which provides suitable environment for various religions, cultures and languages to flourish and develop. India celebrates a number of festivals which is marked by communal harmony, fun and enthusiasm. In India, the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” is majorly spread by a variety of festivals that are celebrated here. India proves to be a fine example of this philosophy with its diverse yet united culture. What else come to your mind when you think of India? Mahatma Gandhi, Taj Mahal, Bollywood, Cricket and many more. An Indian must be feeling proud to read these beautiful lines. But the big question is who Indians are? It’s quite complicated.
The preamble of this country says “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people, Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations”
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it is independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country. Everyone has the right to a nationality. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. These are few of the amazing human rights given to the Indians. But are we enjoying the rights which are meant for us? If not then aren’t we human beings? North east Indians have been discriminated, humiliated and killed by the Indians each and every day. Then what is the reason to made all these laws and rights?
Students from North east India have been tortured physically and mentally within the country itself. Many rape cases and murder cases have been filed. Before receiving the pending justice one more Manipuri became the victim of death. Richard Loitom, aged 19, studying Architecture at The Acharya NRV school of Architecture, Bangalore was brutally beaten to death on the night of 18th April, 2012 in his hostel. According to the sources, Richard had a tiff with his class mate Vishal. Afzal senior of Vishal started beating up Richard. His death body bears the pain of the attacks. His head was bang repeatedly against the iron rod of his window. The deformed window screams about the horrified last moment Richard went through. The warden claims that he was not aware of the fight. The management of the Institute claims that he was a drug abuse and the Karnataka police are not taking up any action against the Murderers. In this scenario Manipur Government and Indian Government are doing nothing. The whole system was wrong; it’s still wrong and will be wrong in future if we keep quiet and doing nothing. The death of Richard has touch thousands heart and still feel the pain which he gone through. May be he wanted us to unite and do something for our young generation. Now it’s our duty to make his soul rest in peace. The fight is not only for the North east India but for all the human kind. No one should meet unnatural death. We should not make any parents cry anymore for losing their son or daughter. Richard should get justice. “ ……….should get justice” should come to an end. Let’s be human.

