North East CMs demand justice after Tripura student’s racist killing

Chief Ministers from across the North East have issued a strong, unified condemnation following the tragic death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal, racially motivated attack in Dehradun.

Chakma, a resident of Nandannagar in West Tripura district, was allegedly assaulted by a group of six individuals on December 9 after he objected to a racial slur hurled at him. He passed away on December 26 while undergoing treatment, turning the assault into a case of murder.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urged his Uttarakhand counterpart, Pushkar Singh Dhami, to ensure the culprits responsible for the “heartbreaking and unacceptable” attack are brought swiftly to justice.

In a post on X, CM Sarma Stated, “The tragic death of Anjel Chakma from Tripura following brutal racial abuse in Dehradun is heartbreaking and unacceptable. I urge the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, @pushkardhami to ensure strict action against the culprits so that justice is served.” He also extended his deepest condolences to the victim’s family, tagging Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the region’s leaders, who highlighted the persistent issue of racial prejudice faced by people from the North East in other parts of the country.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma described the violence as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” stressing that “Racial violence must not be tolerated. People from the North East are as Indian as every citizen of this country. Racism should never be normalised, and the perpetrators must be punished.”

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed deep anguish, stating that the “tragic killing” was a painful reminder that “Racism, discrimination, and hatred against people from the Northeast have persisted for far too long.”

He further asserted that the rest of the country must embrace the North East “not as a margin, but as a pillar of India’s unity and strength,” urging people to move beyond damaging stereotypes.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma also weighed in, stating he was “Deeply saddened by the death of a student from Tripura in Dehradun.” He added that this tragedy “highlights the continuing challenges faced by people from the North East in parts of mainland India. Discrimination and racial prejudice have no place in our Constitution, and the rule of law must prevail to ensure justice.”

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha confirmed that he had directly spoken with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the assault.

In a post on X, CM Saha informed that Dhami had assured him that the case was being handled seriously. “The Hon’ble Chief Minister informed me that, in connection with the case, five accused have already been arrested. Further investigation is underway, and he has assured that justice will be delivered,” CM Saha said.

Uttarakhand Police have confirmed the apprehension of five people involved in the incident, while another accused, reportedly a citizen of Nepal, is suspected to have fled to his native country.