Assam Chief Minister Calls for Education on Northeast India to Prevent Violence

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for increased education about Northeast India to prevent incidents like the recent murder of student Angel Chakma in Dehradun. He stressed the importance of punishing offenders to deter future violence and highlighted the pride of Northeast residents in their Indian identity. Sarma also noted the need for better communication between communities and expressed condolences to Chakma's family. The tragic event has sparked protests among students across the region and in Delhi, raising awareness about racial discrimination.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 17:02 IST

Need for Awareness on Northeast India

On Thursday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of educating people from other regions about Northeast India. This call to action comes in light of the tragic murder of Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun, which he believes could have been prevented with better awareness.

During a conversation with reporters, Sarma stated that it is crucial for the perpetrators to be apprehended and face severe penalties to deter similar incidents in the future. He expressed that imposing strict sentences would send a strong message across the nation, fostering hope that such occurrences will not happen again.

Sarma highlighted that the people of the Northeast take pride in their Indian identity and stressed the need for greater understanding between them and the rest of the country. He advocated for increased dialogue to bridge the gap between communities.

Describing the death of the young student as 'truly tragic and unfortunate,' he condemned the incident and extended his condolences to the grieving family. Sarma noted that there have been no similar incidents in the past five years and expressed hope that this pattern continues.

When asked about the availability of data regarding students studying outside the state, Sarma mentioned that there are currently no such statistics, but they could be collected and maintained if necessary.

Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old from Tripura, was pursuing an MBA in Dehradun when he was attacked by a group of intoxicated individuals who made racial slurs against him. He succumbed to his injuries after 16 days, prompting widespread protests from students in both the Northeast and Delhi.