New Delhi, February 23
Most young students from the Northeast believe that Nido Tania's death was a result of racial discrimination which they face every day in Delhi. While a committee has been set up by the Centre looks into the issues faced by the Northeasterners, one shining example of how to rise above clannish behaviour and create a positive bond has emerged from Nagaland.

As one of the first states, after Sikkim, to send its youths to study and work in metros, the Nagaland government began looking at ways of supporting them and ensuring their welfare.

In 2005, a young Naga lawyer Hekani Jakhalu conducted a study on the Northeastern youths, especially the ones from Nagaland, who left their homelands to work in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The study revealed that the youth were verbally, sexually and mentally harassed by their employers and clients.

Alone in a callous city, the young people who were seen as not 'belonging' to Delhi turned clannish and lived in clusters, finding greater bond. They also believed that their state governments did not support them.

The report proved to be a turning point as the Nagaland government began extending itself to support its youths and ensure their welfare when they leave their homes for jobs and education in metropolitan cities.

Jakhalu left her practice to return home in Nagaland. She started an NGO called YouthNet and began working with the Nagaland government for the welfare of the youth. The aim was to understand and help them.

YouthNet conducts orientation programmes for the youth before they shift out of the state. "Most of these kids are moving out of Nagaland for the first time. We tell them about the dos and the don'ts. For example, we tell the girls that at home, they can wear short skirts, but in Delhi and other cities there is a cultural difference and they need to respect that culture," said Jakhalu.

Over the years, the Nagaland government through companies that are on a contract with it, is providing skill-building programmes to the youth.

In order to ensure that the programme stays on track, YouthNet evaluates these companies. Jakhalu says "We look at the training the youth are receiving or if there is job growth in a particular sector. This helps the government to decide if the line of work is good and if the contract of the company should be renewed. Such a check on the companies, ensures that the children are not being exploited."

In order to further bridge the gap between the Northeast and the mainland India, YouthNet for the first time organised a conclave called the 'Young Leaders Connect' in 2011 in partnership with the Nagaland government in Kohima. The aim was to showcase the Northeast in a positive light.

"Most people from the mainland consider the Northeast one state. Young Leaders Connect is a platform where leaders and achievers from the Northeast meet policy makers, journalists and leaders from the mainland. The conclave aims to show that the achievers from the Northeast are also part of India," says Jakhalu.

The theme of the conclave is 'connect, exchange and strengthen'.

"People from the mainland consider themselves superior. This will change by branding the Northeast. We live in our own small world. But at this conclave everyone comes together to discuss their problems and weaknesses and develop strategies to showcase our strengths. The endeavour is to build bridges between the Northeast and the mainland. Unless we start showing our strengths, we will never be seen," explains Jakhalu.

New Delhi, February 23
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is all set to become the first-ever Metro system in the country to install 'rooftop solar power plants' at its stations.

Such a plant with a production capacity of 500 kWp will be installed at the Dwarka Sector 21 Metro station.

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) regarding the installation of the plant was signed between the DMRC and the developer, a multinational firm engaged in the installation and production of solar power worldwide, in the presence of DMRC's Managing Director, Mangu Singh and other senior officials.

"This is the largest rooftop plant in the NCR region. The DMRC will pay for the units generated by the plant and the capital investment shall be provided by the developer. The plant is expected to start production within six months. The power produced will be used to cater to the requirements at this station," said a DMRC spokesperson.

New Delhi, February 23
In a bid to make the area under its jurisdiction greener and more eco-friendly, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has come up with a plan to set up 'garden huts' and a 'fragrance park'.

Different types of 'garden huts' will be put up at various parks at Laxmibai Nagar and Sarojini Nagar, NDMC chairperson Jalaj Srivastava said, adding that a 'fragrance park' will also be developed at Laxmibai Nagar.

A new 'Cactus House' will come up at the Lodhi Garden nursery while 10 acupressure paths will be laid in various parks at Sarojini Nagar, Malcha Marg and Jor Bagh, he added.

The creation of the 'acupressure walks' is a unique feature of the project.

New Delhi, February 23
An Assamese girl was raped yesterday in Mahipalpur village, South Delhi. It is another shocking incident for the Northeast people who have been agitating following the killing of Nido Tania in Lajpat Nagar.

The police have arrested two accused in the case. They have been identified as Rahul and Arun. Both belong to Tejpur in Assam. The accused are in their 20s.

"The victim had come to Delhi recently. Rahul had known the girl and fixed a meeting with her. The two men then raped her at a house in Mahipalpur in South Delhi yesterday afternoon," a police official said.

"We received a PCR call about the incident at 3:45 pm after which a team rushed to the spot," he said.

A case was registered at Vasant Kunj police station and the two men were arrested at night. The incident had happened yesterday afternoon, but it was reported today, the police said.

According to the sources, she came to Delhi. Rahul had allegedly promised her for a good job in Delhi. He took her to a house in Mahipalpur village where he and his friend allegedly raped her repeatedly.