New delhi : Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said he has been personally monitoring the alleged racial abuse of three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, asserting that the government would take firm action against anyone targeting citizens from the Northeast.

Speaking on February 25, Rijiju stated that his office had been in constant touch with the victims “since day one” and had simultaneously coordinated with the Delhi Police to ensure prompt action.

“If any incident occurs in Delhi with anyone from the Northeast, we take immediate action. I have been following up personally, and arrests have been made,” the minister said, adding that strict legal consequences would follow.

‘Situation Has Changed’

Rijiju drew a sharp comparison between the current response system and what he described as a troubling past, when students and young professionals from the Northeast allegedly faced harassment and violence in metropolitan cities with little institutional backing.

“There was a time when our Northeast children were beaten, thrown aside, and no one questioned it. Even the police would harass them. Today, that cannot happen,” he remarked.

The minister credited reforms initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying structural mechanisms have been put in place to address complaints involving people from the Northeast more effectively.

According to Rijiju, a dedicated framework within the Delhi Police now handles such cases, ensuring that complaints are registered swiftly and action is taken without delay.

Dedicated Response Mechanism

He emphasised that the existence of a specialised response mechanism has significantly improved institutional accountability. “Today, there is a system in place. Complaints are not ignored. Action is taken immediately,” he said.

Rijiju further noted that the Centre maintains regular coordination with states across the country on matters concerning citizens from the Northeast. His office, he said, routinely tracks incidents not just in the national capital but elsewhere as well.

“As a senior minister, my office constantly takes action on any Northeast issue. Others may only raise demands, but we follow up and ensure accountability,” he added.

 Reiterating that the government would not tolerate discrimination, the minister said the message was unequivocal: targeting individuals from the Northeast would invite firm legal action.

“We will teach a lesson that people from the Northeast should not be treated badly. We will do anything to protect the dignity of the Northeast,” he said.

Assuring citizens from the region, Rijiju maintained that there was “no need to worry” as long as the government remained vigilant. “With the Northeast being a priority for the Prime Minister’s government, it is my duty to take action. If the Northeast is targeted, action will be taken,” he stated.