A group of Northeast people in collaboration with special Delhi police unit for the northeastern region have intensified efforts to provide ration to the people from the region stuck at home in the national capital during the lockdown.

The North East Task Force was formed last week anticipating growing problems of the Northeast people living in Delhi-National Capital Region. It has around 20 members who are government officials and social workers from the region. The group with the help of Delhi police have distributed rations to around 1,200 people so far. The police unit was set up on January 14, 2014, for ensuring safety and security of the Northeast people in Delhi and also renders other humanitarian services.

“Demands are increasing daily and we are running out of rations as funds are only collected from the task force people on a voluntary basis. However, efforts are on to mobilise resources through friend circles and well-wishers. We have received donations in cash or in the form of food items,” additional commissioner of police and in-charge of the special unit, Hibu Tamang, told The Telegraph.

He said relief measures are reaching to people in areas like Safdarjung Enclave, Humayunpur, Malvia Nagar, Munirka and Lajpat Nagar, among others.

“Initially, we are reaching out to all and thinking of preparing a list of the needy. Many of them could not go out to work and are also staying on rent,” he said.

Northeast people can contact the WhatsApp number 8750870582 in case of any need.

The Delhi police Northeast helpline 1093 received as many as 10 coronavirus-related harassment calls during the lockdown. Out of these, eight have been resolved by issuing formal warnings and two cases have been registered with the special unit.

“Geographical awareness among a certain section of people in Delhi is missing. Some tend to think that Northeast people are responsible for spreading the virus owing to their facial features. They were also called by certain names. Sound awareness on these issues is helpful,” the officer said.

In the first case, the accused was arrested and released on bail. No arrests have been made in the second case.