Kozhikode: North-East community unites against native' abuse

KOZHIKODE: The North-East community in the city is uniting to tackle increasing incidents of abuses by natives. The migrants say eve-teasing, molestation and harassment by young men and over-charging by autorickshaw and taxi drivers are some of the most common problems they face. Sharing one such harsh incident, Vaigapila N.G., from Manipur, who came here a year ago and works in a café said the first few days were okay but once she stepped out during weekend offs, things changed.

"It was not at all secure, or free for a girl like me to move around alone. An auto driver tried to grope me after he dropped, but out of fear I could not inform anyone," she said. "Several times in my café, people have asked me whether I am interested in moving out with them for a beer or to any resort. People here have a perception that people from my place are open to any kind of activities as they wish." The community has nearly 100 members working in different sectors here, mostly women, who have decided to join hands and raise voice against the torture they face.

“A recent survey by Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research had found that people like me coming from North East are more suffering in metro cities of the country with the young man creating problems like eve-teasing and molestation,” said Somiwan Sam, a hair expert at a saloon. "But Kozhikode has now proved nothing good for me, as per my experience so far. I would not suggest any of my family members come down here and work. If the bond that I signed with my company were not there, I would have fled already."