Leaders and youth members from the Manipur unit of the National People's Party (NPP) organized a poignant candlelight vigil in Imphal on Tuesday evening. The gathering voiced profound distress over the ongoing discrimination faced by people from India's northeastern states and demanded justice for Anjel Chakma, whose death is seen as a tragic outcome of such prejudice.
Solidarity at Kangla and Calls for Justice
The congregation assembled at the western gate of the historic Kangla fort. Participants expressed strong solidarity with the family of the deceased student and issued a united call for an immediate end to racial discrimination. The vigil specifically highlighted the case of Anjel Chakma, linking his killing directly to the deep-seated biases that many from the region encounter.
Addressing the crowd, NPP national vice-president Irengbam Hemochandra delivered a powerful speech. He noted that while citizens across India take pride in their nation, people from the northeast are frequently forced to prove their nationality and patriotism repeatedly. Hemochandra underscored the strategic importance of northeastern states like Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, describing them as India's frontlines.
"Any incursion or hostile fire from across the borders is first faced by us," he stated. He lamented the painful irony that despite this reality of being the nation's first line of defense, residents of these regions continue to be viewed with suspicion in their own country.
A Plea for Mindset Change Over Mere Laws
Hemochandra argued that the constant challenge to the identity and belonging of northeastern people must stop. He emphasized that hatred and prejudice cannot be eradicated by laws or constitutional provisions alone. A fundamental shift in the public mindset is essential. For a long-term solution, he advocated for greater sensitization starting at the grassroots level. This includes educating children nationwide about the northeast's diverse people, rich cultures, and unique geography to build genuine understanding and empathy.
NPP state unit president Lorho S Pfoze also addressed the gathering, describing Anjel's killing as a direct result of racial discrimination. He stressed an urgent need for widespread awareness and sensitization programs, not just among the general public but also within law enforcement agencies.
Pfoze pointed out that such discrimination breeds deep insecurity among students, jawans, and civilians from the northeast who travel to other parts of India for work or education. He made a heartfelt appeal to citizens across the country to reject all forms of discrimination based on appearance, religion, or regional identity. Instead, he urged everyone to uphold the values of equality and mutual respect.
The Path Forward: Dignity and Equal Participation
Concluding the speeches, Pfoze framed the issue as central to India's national strength. He asserted that India's true greatness lies in ensuring dignity, security, and equal participation for every citizen, including those from its northeastern states. The candlelight vigil served not only as a memorial but as a stark reminder of the social change required to build a more inclusive nation.
The event in Imphal reflects growing frustration and a determined call for action from political and civil society groups in the region. It underscores the demand that national integration must move beyond symbolism to address everyday prejudices faced by northeastern communities.
