NEW DELHI: People from the north eastern states of India, which is connected by just a narrow strip of Indian territory feel alienated and ostracized in their own country Members of Parliament who represent the region have warned. People from the seven north eastern states of India bordering the countries of Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh have strikingly eastern Asian features different facial features from other Indians and are often branded as ‘Chinese' rebuked, made fun of or even looked upon as prostitutes by stereotypically minded mainstream Indians, especially in the cities, to where the migrate for work. They often end up being ridiculed and even worse victims of crime. “Richard Loitam, a student of architecture, was found murdered in his hostel room in Bangalore (a IT hub in Southern India). Another student from Amity committed suicide after being expelled by the authorities. A boy from Manipur was beaten,” Congress MP from Inner Manipur, one of the northern eastern states Thockhom Meinya said. He has called the Home Minister to look into the social issue. “I appeal to the home minister to look into the issues and order a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the killing,” he added. The people from this region belong to indigenous tribes and have continued to live the tribal lifestyle. The region has also witnessed a lot of insurgent militarism from warring tribes who accuse the government of trying to wipe out their indigenous identities. The state of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam are notorious for their armed groups who have declared battle with the Indian government. Other areas are however relatively peaceful. The government has also neglected the region with, the north eastern states not being given enough importance in the government's developmental program and other schemes, which are hogged by mainland states. The country of Bangladesh was carved out of India leaving the North Eastern States beyond Bangladesh and not easily accessible for the rest of the country barring a tiny, thin strip of land which is often referred to as the ‘chicken's neck'.
