One of the by-products of coronavirus originating in China has been a stark increase in racism against Asians. In India, people from the Northeast, who have historically faced discriminatory behaviour, have now become the victims of shaming and even greater racism than before.
According to Indiatimes, a Manipuri girl in Vijay Nagar, Delhi was recently spat on by a middle-aged man. He then shouted ‘Corona’ at her before fleeing in a white scooty.
A Manipuri girl at Vijay Nagar, Delhi was spat on by an middle aged man and shouted at “Corona” before fleeing on his white scooty.#Racism #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/H2fgR0yzzt
— Akhu Chingangbam (@Akhucha) March 22, 2020
The police have since registered a case against an unknown person under under IPC Section 509 for outraging the modesty of the woman.
Delhi Police has registered a case under section 509 of the Indian Penal Code against a man who allegedly spat on a woman belonging to Manipur and called her “Corona” in Vijay Nagar area of north Delhi last night. pic.twitter.com/lBk88QGr8U
— ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2020
The advent of the virus seems to have emboldened the intrinsically xenophobic nature of people. However, at least on the internet, many people condemned the act.
North Indians are worst when it comes to racism.Sorry !
— Siddhartha (@Sid1_Sarkar) March 22, 2020
PS – I am from North India
This is disgusting 😐
— Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) March 22, 2020
What a vicious, despicable thing to do – for shame! I am so deeply saddened and sorry to read this.
— Ranjit Hoskote (@ranjithoskote) March 22, 2020
Shame ! Shame ! Shame ! What has happened to people.
— Tushar Rawat (@tusharrawat85) March 22, 2020
At a time like this, what we need is positivity and love. Instead, all we seem to be getting hate and discrimination.