Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed profound horror on Monday over the brutal murder of Anjel Chakma in Dehradun, terming it a 'hate crime' and directly blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party's leadership for fostering a climate of prejudice. He accused the ruling party of normalising bigotry through years of toxic content and irresponsible narratives.
Congress Leaders Detail Racial Slurs and Police Lapses
Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi provided chilling details of the incident, stating that Chakma was killed after being racially abused and called a 'Chinese'. He drew parallels to the harassment faced by the indigenous Karbi tribe in Assam's Karbi Anglong, where they are subjected to 'Chinese go back' slogans in their own homeland. Gogoi accused the BJP government of a fundamental failure to celebrate India's rich diversity.
Highlighting serious lapses in the investigation, Gogoi pointed out that there was a 12-day delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) in the Chakma murder case. He further stated that the main accused in the crime has gone absconding. The Congress MP demanded an immediate inquiry into the police's lax response and called for the swift arrest of the perpetrators.
A Pattern of Prejudice Against North-East Indians
Gaurav Gogoi, who is also the Assam Congress chief, asserted that people from the North-Eastern states face prejudice and discrimination on a daily basis across India. He launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration, alleging that the government's entire machinery is focused on changing the national mindset from one that celebrates diversity to one that imposes a singular identity.
'The BJP government is not able to understand the anger among the people of the North-East against the Centre,' Gogoi stated. He added that this failure of understanding was evident during the Manipur crisis, is visible now in Karbi Anglong, and extends to the doubts surrounding the Anjel Chakma case. He accused the PM of using people from the region merely as props for photo opportunities during his visits.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Gogoi revealed that he was once asked in Agra to show his passport and prove his Indian identity. 'Only the people of the North-East understand this pain,' he said, adding that it takes immense courage to proudly carry the national flag despite such humiliating experiences, which is a testament to their tolerance and patriotism.
Rahul Gandhi's Call for Reflection and Unity
Rahul Gandhi, in his statement, emphasised the foundational values of the nation. 'India is built on respect and unity, not fear and abuse. We are a country of love and diversity,' he said. He warned against the dangers of societal apathy, urging citizens not to become a 'dead society' that looks away when fellow Indians are targeted. Gandhi called for national reflection on what the country is allowing itself to become under the current political climate.
The statements from the senior Congress leaders put a spotlight on the issues of racial profiling, hate crimes, and the perceived failure of state mechanisms to protect citizens from the North-Eastern regions. The case continues to develop as demands for justice for Anjel Chakma grow louder.
