NEFIS had called a Candle Light March at Art Faculty, Delhi University on March 19, 2018. Hundreds of students and concerned organizations participated in this march titled ‘North-East People’s Lives Matter’. North-East Forum for International Solidarity called this candle march to raise the demand of justice for Pravish Chanam.
Pravish Chanam, a Manipuri youth was found dead in Noida, Uttar Pradesh under suspicious circumstances. He had come to the capital on a visit and he was residing with his friends in Safdarjung, Delhi. NEFIS had also submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh. The group request for the re-investigation of this case.
Pravish was in Noida for a music concert held in Knowledge Park on 8th September 2017. He was with his friends in this concert. He was missing after this music concert and later, he was found dead in Noida.
Like any other case, Noida Police invested in this case too. But, this investigation had strongly pointed towards the partial investigation. The shoddy inquiry by Noida Police had made victim’s family to demand for CBI investigation.
Pravish’s family had also requested the Manipur Government to discuss with UP CM Yogi Aditya Nath for transferring this case to CBI.
Considering this, Manipur Govt had also asked UP Govt for the transfer of this case to CBI investigation. UP Govt had also given the assurance. However, there is no further action taking by the state government regarding CBI involvement in this case.
This sort of negligence is nothing but a clear message of zero apathy towards people of North-East region. They are clearly attempting to shield the culprits. This is certainly a blatant attempt to give ample time for destroying evidences. Pravish’s incident is certainly not the last crime against people of North-East region.
NEFIS stated that this gathering had simply reflected that it was high time that people should take stand against racism. We need to gather for opposing such incidents of racism against North-East people. The group demanded for immediate action to control such incidents of racism otherwise government should be ready to see more intensify struggle in near future. Central government should act now for giving justice to the family of deceased.