New Delhi | More than 30 academics, journalists, scholars, writers, artists and concerned citizens have urged the Nagaland government to order an impartial inquiry into an alleged incident involving professors Dolly Kikon and Sanjay Barbora at Nagaland House in New Delhi on September 15.

In a joint statement, the signatories alleged that the two professors were humiliated and intimidated following a screening of Kikon’s documentary A Sacred Place, organised by the Naga Scholars’ Association at Nagaland House in R K Puram.

The group has sought an “unqualified apology” to Kikon and Barbora and called for appropriate action based on the findings of an inquiry. Kikon had been invited to screen the documentary and interact with students and scholars. The screening was followed by a discussion with the filmmaker at the Conference Hall of Nagaland House.

According to the statement, some students and scholars continued interacting with Kikon near the reception area after the programme when a staff member allegedly asked them to leave. When Barbora objected to the manner in which the group was being asked to leave, the staff member allegedly confronted him and challenged him to a physical altercation, the statement claimed.

The signatories further alleged that the manager of Nagaland House defended the staff member instead of intervening to defuse the situation. Kikon, who reportedly identified herself as an invited resource person of the Naga Scholars’ Association, was also allegedly asked to leave. The gathering was described as a “nuisance” and a “disruption”, according to the statement.

The group said the allegations were particularly concerning because Nagaland House is a government institution representing Nagaland in the national capital. Such institutions, it said, should provide a respectful environment for students, scholars, invited guests and members of the public.

The statement also raised concerns over what the signatories described as prejudice based on ethnic and linguistic identities in the Northeast. It called on public institutions representing northeastern states to ensure dignity and equal treatment irrespective of ethnicity, language or place of origin.

The signatories expressed solidarity with the Naga Scholars’ Association, the Naga Students’ Union Delhi and Naga students and scholars who they said supported Kikon and Barbora following the alleged incident. They urged the Nagaland government to take immediate cognisance of the matter, order an impartial inquiry and initiate action based on its findings.

The group also called for better training of public-facing officials and staff at Nagaland House, with emphasis on professionalism, courtesy and respectful conduct while dealing with visitors and members of the public.