A horrific incident of racial violence has claimed the life of a young student from India's northeast in Uttarakhand's capital. Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, died on Friday after fighting for his life for over two weeks. He was allegedly stabbed by a group of men who first targeted him and his younger brother with racist abuse during a routine grocery run.
The Fatal Confrontation in Selaqui
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of December 9 in the Selaqui area of Dehradun. Anjel and his brother Michael, both students who had been living in the city for over a year, were reportedly stopped and taunted by a group of six men. The assailants called them derogatory names like "Chinki", "Chinese", and "Momo". One of them sneered, "Oye Chinese, have you come to buy pork?"
Anjel, asserting his identity and dignity, objected to the racial abuse. He confronted the group, stating, "We are not Chinese… We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?" According to accounts shared by his brother and a friend, this calm assertion was met with brutal violence. The group allegedly attacked the brothers, and during the altercation, Anjel was stabbed.
A Fight for Life and Nationwide Outrage
Anjel was rushed to a hospital in Dehradun with serious injuries to his neck and spine. He battled for more than 14 days before succumbing to his injuries. His younger brother Michael, who also sustained injuries, survived and is still in serious condition. A friend of Anjel's, who remained at the hospital, described him as "one of the calmest, friendliest people" and expressed the community's devastation.
The incident has triggered widespread anger, particularly in Tripura. Anjel's body was flown to Agartala on Saturday. His family received support from Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, chairman of the Tipra Motha Party and a member of Tripura's erstwhile royal family. Debbarma had been in touch with the family since the day of the incident and assisted with medical treatment.
Calls for Justice and Condemnation of Racism
Speaking on the tragedy, Pradyot Debbarma highlighted the painful irony of the situation. "It’s tragic that the patriotic people of the northeast are called Chinese and attacked," he said. "Those who hurl racist slurs forget that it is because of the brave people of the northeast that China cannot enter the country. These incidents don’t just hurt families. They divide our people." He emphasized the need for unity and justice.
Suraj Debbarma, state president of the Youth Tipra Federation, who helped coordinate Anjel's last rites, pointed out the recurring nature of such attacks. He stated that people from the northeast regularly face racial slurs and xenophobic attacks in northern parts of India. The incident has reignited conversations about racism, safety, and the need for greater sensitivity and legal protection for citizens from the northeastern states living across the country.
