Hundreds of students from India’s Northeast region protested in New Delhi on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 , demanding justice for Anjel Chakma. The 24-year-old student from Tripura died on December 26 after a stabbing incident in Dehradun. Protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar , a prominent site for demonstrations, calling for a thorough investigation and a law against racial discrimination. The incident has drawn national attention to the safety of Northeast students.
The Incident: Anjel Chakma’s Death
Anjel Chakma, a resident of Unakoti district in Tripura, was attacked in Dehradun on December 9 . A group of six individuals assaulted him after he objected to racial slurs. The slurs were directed at Chakma and his younger brother. He sustained severe stab injuries during the assault. Chakma received medical treatment at a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries on December 26 , nearly three weeks after the attack. His death has sparked outrage and widespread calls for justice.
Student Demands and Calls for Justice
The protest, organized under the banner of the Northeast Students’ Society of Delhi University (NESSDU), saw numerous students from Delhi University participate. Pointing Thokchom, president of NESSDU, outlined the student body’s key demands. “We demand the case be transferred to the CBI,” Thokchom stated, emphasizing the need for an impartial and comprehensive investigation. “The family must receive proper compensation for their loss.”
NESSDU also called for immediate legislative action. “There should be a specific law to protect students from the Northeast from racial abuse and attacks,” Thokchom added. This demand addresses long-standing concerns about discrimination faced by individuals from the region in various parts of India. Protesters believe a dedicated law is essential to deter future incidents.
Bipul Chakma, vice-president of the All India Chakma Students’ Union, expressed strong criticism regarding the initial investigation. He alleged delays by the Uttarakhand administration. “I went to Dehradun on December 11 after Anjel Chakma’s father called me since nobody was helping,” Bipul Chakma reported. His direct involvement underscores the family’s struggle for immediate assistance and adequate support from local authorities.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Dehradun police have taken action following the incident. Five of the six accused individuals involved in the fatal attack have been arrested. One suspect, Yagyaraj Awasthi , remains at large. Awasthi is a resident of Kanchanpur district in Nepal. Police continue active efforts to apprehend him and bring all responsible parties to justice. The ongoing manhunt highlights the severity of the charges.
Addressing Racial Discrimination
The protest served as a platform to highlight broader issues of racial discrimination faced by Northeast communities. Bipul Chakma shared his personal experience with racial abuse in Delhi. “I have been a victim of racial abuse myself at DU,” he said. This personal account reinforced the urgency of the students’ demands for systemic change. “We want this vicious cycle of racial abuse and attacks against Northeast students to stop,” he asserted forcefully.
Demonstrators believe Anjel Chakma’s death is a tragic manifestation of ingrained racial prejudice. They emphasize the need for increased awareness, greater social acceptance, and robust legal protections. Students aim to amplify their voices and pressure authorities to act decisively against such prejudice. Their collective presence at Jantar Mantar underscored their unified resolve and the gravity of the situation.
Student bodies beyond NESSDU have also reacted. The NSUI (National Students’ Union of India) previously organized a candle march in Delhi to protest the killing. These collective actions reflect widespread concern across various student organizations regarding the safety, dignity, and rights of Northeast students living and studying across India.
Call for National Attention and Future Action
Student groups have pledged to continue their advocacy until all demands are met and justice is secured for Anjel Chakma. They seek a swift, transparent, and impartial resolution to the case. The proposed specific law aims to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for all students from the Northeast region in educational institutions and public spaces nationwide. This tragic incident has ignited a renewed national discussion on racial profiling and the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards and social reforms.