Meghalaya Woman Faces Racist Slurs In Delhi, Kiren Rijiju Says Discrimination ‘Must Stop’

The woman also shared ordeal through an Instagram video

It was an ordinary evening outing for Rittu Marak, a 27-year-old flight attendant from Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, but it soon turned into one of the most distressing nights of her life. Marak, who had gone to Delhi’s Kamla Nagar for some personal work, said she was subjected to racist taunts not once but twice within an hour.

“I had gone to Kamla Nagar for some work and was heading back around 9.30 pm,” she told NDTV. “I was hungry and looking for food when a group of men on a scooter passed by. One of them shouted ‘ching chong’ and they all laughed. I was shocked — these were grown men, who looked educated. It hurt more because it came from people who should know better,” she said.

Shaken and upset, Marak quickly booked a cab and decided to return home. But the ordeal didn’t end there. “At the metro, another man entered the coach and said ‘ching chong China’. Everyone laughed again. It was the second time in an hour. I was crying by then, but no one said a word. No one from the northeast was around to support me,” she said.

Having moved to Delhi just two months ago after spending three years in Bengaluru, Marak said she had never faced such behaviour before. “Bengaluru always felt like home. I never imagined something like this would happen in the capital city,” she added.

A video Marak posted online recounting the incident quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions and messages of support from across the country. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also took note of the video and condemned the incident, saying such discrimination “must stop.”

Marak said she was touched by the response she received. “I’m receiving a lot of love and support now. I didn’t expect the video to get this kind of attention. I want to thank Kiren Rijiju sir — at least one minister stood up for me. So many people have reached out saying they’ve gone through the same pain.”

Reflecting on the experience, she said the problem stems from a lack of awareness about India’s diversity. “It’s a lack of education and awareness. Parents should teach children about India’s diversity, that we’re different but also equal. Back home, we were taught moral values in school. There used to be a picture in our textbook showing children from different communities holding hands. That taught us respect, empathy, and unity. That’s what’s missing here,” she said.

To others who might face similar situations, Marak offered a message of caution and courage. “Your safety comes first. Don’t confront if it’s not the right time or place. Stay safe, then speak up. Silence shouldn’t mean acceptance.”

While the night left her shaken, it also gave her a new sense of purpose. “I just hope people realise we’re all Indians. Racism isn’t just hurtful — it’s dehumanising. And it’s time it stops,” she said.