India, a nation known for its diversity, faces a persistent issue of prejudice. The tragic death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has brought this issue to the forefront. His death highlights the fear, vulnerability, and injustice experienced by many from Northeast India. Anjel was attacked after allegedly objecting to racial abuse and died on December 26, 2025, after 17 days of fighting for his life. This incident has led to nationwide demands for Justice for Anjel Chakma and a call to end systemic biases and fully embrace individuals from the Northeast.
The Tragic Loss of Anjel Chakma: A Cry for Justice
Anjel Chakma, an MBA student from Machmara, Tripura, was tragically killed in Dehradun. On December 9, 2025, Anjel and his younger brother, Michael, were subjected to alleged racial abuse in Dehradun’s Selaqui area. When Anjel confronted the abusers, he was stabbed twice in the back and suffered a broken neck. He fought for his life for 17 days before passing away, causing grief and outrage.
Anjel’s family is seeking justice. His maternal uncle, Momen Chakma, stated their demand for the perpetrators to receive the death penalty or a life sentence. Anjel’s father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, a BSF jawan, emotionally appealed for capital punishment to prevent future incidents.
Authorities have added murder charges to the First Information Report (FIR). Five suspects have been apprehended: three adults are in custody, and two minors are in a juvenile reform home. A sixth accused, believed to have fled to Nepal, is being sought with a Rs 25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The incident prompted action from state governments. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who assured justice. Both states have provided financial assistance to Anjel’s family. Civil society organizations, including the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), have also demanded capital punishment and stricter anti-racial discrimination laws. The collective outcry emphasizes the demand for meaningful change and an end to pervasive injustices.
A Deeper Look: The Pervasive Issue of Racial Discrimination Against Northeast Indians
Anjel Chakma’s death is symptomatic of deep-rooted racial discrimination and violence against people from Northeast India. Distinct facial features, cultural practices, and language differences lead to them being perceived as “non-Indian” or “foreigners,” fueling prejudice.
Forms of discrimination and violence include:
- Racial Slurs and Verbal Abuse: Frequent use of derogatory terms like “Chinky” or “Chinese,” which mock appearance and question Indian identity, causing psychological wounds and alienation.
- Physical Assaults: Verbal abuse often escalates to physical violence. Notable incidents include the 2014 death of Nido Taniam in Delhi after being mocked, and Anjel Chakma’s murder in December 2025. Other cases involve Mizoram students attacked in Bangalore for not speaking the local language, and Naga students assaulted in Gurgaon.
- Discrimination in Housing and Employment: Challenges in renting accommodation due to appearance or perceived “outsider” status, and workplace harassment, exclusion, and unequal treatment.
- Social Exclusion and Psychological Impact: Widespread stigmatization and bullying leading to feelings of insecurity, helplessness, depression, and anxiety.
- Increased Discrimination During COVID-19: Northeast Indians were wrongly blamed for spreading the virus due to their East Asian appearance, leading to a surge in discriminatory acts.
Metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad are hotspots for these incidents. A study indicated prevalent “offensive and abusive language” across these cities, with Mumbai reporting the highest incidence. The “othering” phenomenon remains a significant barrier to national integration.
Legal Framework and Challenges: Ensuring Justice for Anjel Chakma and Others
India lacks stringent, dedicated anti-racism laws specifically addressing hate crimes based on racial or ethnic origin. While general provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) like Sections 153A, 295A, 323, 302, and 504/506 can be invoked, the absence of specific legislation makes it challenging to adequately categorize and prosecute racially motivated attacks.
Following Nido Taniam’s death in 2014, the Bezbaruah Committee was formed to recommend legal measures. It proposed IPC amendments to make racial slurs and discriminatory acts cognizable and non-bailable offenses, and the creation of special fast-track courts. While some recommendations were accepted, comprehensive anti-racism legislation with robust implementation mechanisms is still needed.
Challenges in reporting and prosecuting hate crimes include:
- Apathy from Law Enforcement: Officials may not fully grasp racial motivation or dismiss attacks as street brawls, leading to improper case classification and insufficient investigation.
- Victim Deterrence: The stigma of reporting, coupled with the emotional and financial burden of legal recourse, deters victims from coming forward.
For Justice for Anjel Chakma to be meaningful, and for future victims to find legal recourse, these systemic challenges require urgent attention. Specialized police training, legal aid for victims, and expedited judicial processes are essential.
The Imperative of National Unity and Respect: Embracing Our Northeast Brothers and Sisters
Anjel Chakma’s death underscores that “unity in diversity” is not always a lived reality for all citizens. People from Northeast India are integral to the nation, contributing to its cultural, historical, and economic fabric. Discrimination based on appearance or origin undermines Indian nationhood.
True national unity requires empathy, understanding, and bridging gaps caused by ignorance and prejudice. This involves:
- Education: Curricula should include comprehensive modules on the history, geography, cultures, and socio-political realities of the Northeast to dispel stereotypes and foster a shared identity.
- Media Responsibility: Responsible reporting that highlights Northeast communities’ contributions and challenges, rather than perpetuating stereotypes.
- Cultural Exchange and Integration: Initiatives like festivals, art exhibitions, food fairs, and student exchange programs can foster appreciation and break down barriers.
- Addressing Implicit Biases: Workshops, public awareness campaigns, and community dialogues can help individuals recognize and challenge unconscious prejudices.
Governmental and societal initiatives must work together. Legal reforms provide a framework, but societal transformation requires active citizen participation. Local communities, educational institutions, religious organizations, and youth groups play a role in championing inclusivity. Dedicated helplines and support centers for victims, along with proactive safety measures, can provide assurance. The focus must shift from tolerating differences to actively celebrating and integrating them, ensuring every Indian feels a sense of belonging and respect.
Moving Forward: Pathways to a More Inclusive India
Anjel Chakma’s murder highlights the urgent need for immediate, stringent action for Justice for Anjel Chakma and long-term systemic changes to eradicate racial discrimination against people from Northeast India.
- Legal Front:
- The demand for capital punishment or life imprisonment for Anjel’s killers reflects a societal need for severe deterrence.
- Strengthening anti-discrimination laws is imperative. The Bezbaruah Committee’s recommendations, including making racial slurs and attacks cognizable and non-bailable offenses, must be fully implemented.
- Special fast-track courts and dedicated investigation units sensitive to racial bias are essential for efficient justice delivery.
- Legal literacy campaigns for victims and law enforcement are crucial for proper utilization and understanding of existing laws.
- Societal Shift:
- Dismantling the ‘othering’ narrative is crucial. Public awareness campaigns celebrating Northeast diversity and its integral role in India are needed.
- Educational institutions must foster empathy and understanding through inclusive curricula and cultural exchange programs.
- Inter-community dialogues and firsthand experiences can break down stereotypes and build bridges.
- Leaders, influencers, and public figures must champion national unity and speak out against discrimination.
The vision is an India where every citizen is treated with inherent dignity and respect, regardless of physical features, language, or cultural practices. Anjel Chakma’s memory can catalyze a more just, equitable, and unified nation. This requires every Indian to reflect on personal biases, challenge prejudice, and work collaboratively towards an India where the respect and inclusion of people from the Northeast are lived realities. The demand for Justice for Anjel Chakma is a demand for justice for all, a collective yearning for an India where diversity is celebrated, and every individual lives free from fear and discrimination.
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