Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a youth convention in Karnataka that his government has worked towards the emotional integration of the northeast and only integration can counter radicalisation. While one must meet statements by political parties with a dose of scepticism, the emotional integration does hit the right button.

The North East needs to feel integrated with the rest of the country. In Mumbai, North Easterners have spoken out in the past about feeling alienated and targeted. Their fears and misgivings have basis. In 2012, the North Easterners were gripped by panic and many moved out of Mumbai fearing violence against them. The violence though is a physical form of the routine discrimination they have to endure starting with being called chinki, momo and small eyes.