Home Minister P Chidambaram rejected allegations about racial profiling of people from North East anywhere in the country but said there has been "certain discrimination" against "certain people", which was earlier in the name of language and region.
Chidambaram was replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley on harassment of students of North eastern states in the wake of death of two students from North East in Gurgaon (Haryana) and Bengaluru.
Speaking on the motion, several members voiced concern over growing number of such incidents in Delhi and other parts of the country and asked government to act against those who indulge in discrimination against them and take other steps.
Chidambaram said the Home Ministry had issued clear instructions to Delhi Police in 2009 for "zero-tolerance" towards cases of crime against women in general and crime against women of North Eastern states in particular.
"On October 25, 2010, a more clear and comprehensive order to Delhi Police in this regard was issued by the Home Ministry," he informed the members.
"I intend to issue the circular in a more modified form to all states...For chief ministers to make police of all states aware of harassment towards students from NE," he said.
"The Government of India will take every step to ensure their security and I am confident that all state governments will discharge their constitutional responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of all people residing within that state," Chidambaram said. (MORE)