A 24-year-old MBA student from Northeast Indian state Tripura, Anjel Chakma, succumbed to injuries on December 26 after being brutally assaulted in a racially motivated attack in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The incident has sparked widespread protests and calls for action against racial discrimination targeting people from India’s northeastern states.
Chakma, originally from the small northeastern state of Tripura and in his final year of an MBA program, was attacked near a liquor shop on December 9. The assault followed an argument involving Chakma and his brother, during which they were subjected to racial slurs. Chakma was stabbed and fought for his life in the hospital for weeks before passing away.
In his final moments, Chakma reportedly said, “We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?”
His words have resonated across the country, highlighting the persistent issue of racial prejudice against northeastern Indians, who are often mistaken for foreigners due to their distinct ethnic features.
The tragedy has drawn sharp condemnation from political leaders. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described the incident as a “horrific hate crime” in a statement, adding: “What happened to Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael in Dehradun is a horrific hate crime. Hate doesn’t appear overnight. For years now it is being fed daily—especially to our youth—through toxic content and irresponsible narratives. And it’s being normalized by the hate-spewing leadership of the ruling BJP.”
“India is built on respect and unity, not fear and abuse. We are a country of love and diversity. We must not become a dead society that looks away while fellow Indians are targeted. We must reflect and confront what we are allowing our country to become. My thoughts are with the Chakma family and the people of Tripura and North East. We are proud to call you our fellow Indian brothers and sisters,” his statement added.
Tripura opposition leader Jiten Chowdhury who is also the state secretary of the CPI-M party condemned the incident, appealing to stop racism against Northeast tribals. “They are targeted for looking at different, different food cultures and languages. They are abused by calling Chinese, Chinkey, Nepali. It has surpassed universities, college campuses. It’s all happening under the call for BJP’s module for Hindu Rashtra,” said Chowdhury
Racial Attack Claims Life of Northeast Indian Student, Igniting Nationwide Outrage Against Discrimination: But it’s Not New in India
This is not an isolated case, as similar incidents of racial violence against northeastern communities have been reported in various parts of India, fueling demands for greater awareness and protection.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, northeastern Indians in cities like Delhi faced heightened discrimination, including being spat on, denied services, and verbally abused with slurs like “coronavirus” or “China virus” due to their perceived resemblance to East Asians.
In response, the Tripura Chakma Students Association and other organizations held a rally in Agartala, the state capital, to demand justice for Chakma. Protesters called for stricter measures to combat racial hatred and ensure the safety of northeastern students studying in other states.
Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the murder, while one accused—a Nepali national—remains at large. Two of the arrested individuals are juveniles and have been placed in a correctional home under juvenile justice protocols. The other two adults have been remanded to judicial custody, with an ongoing search for the absconding suspect.
Tipra Motha Party leader and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council chairman Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma criticized the Uttarakhand government’s response, announcing a Rs 10 lakh reward from his personal funds for information leading to the arrest of the main accused. In a video message, he stated: “I heard the Uttarakhand government declared Rs 25,000 for info on the mastermind’s arrest. Is this the price for catching Anjel Chakma’s killer? I offer Rs 10 lakh from my own pocket for info leading to the arrest. Don’t make fun of us.”
Chakma’s death has underscored the need for national dialogue on inclusivity and the eradication of racial biases, with activists urging the government to implement educational programs and enforce anti-discrimination laws more rigorously.
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