Tipra Motha Party Calls for Anti-Racial Law Following Student's Death

The Tipra Motha Party has called for immediate action from the Central government to establish an anti-racial law following the tragic death of Angel Chakma, a student from the Northeast. This demand comes in light of increasing incidents of discrimination and violence against individuals from the region. TMP leaders have criticized the slow response from authorities and emphasized the need for systemic change to combat racism. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with various political leaders and organizations condemning the attack and demanding justice. The party's call for unity among Northeastern communities highlights the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals across India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 10:27 IST

Demand for Legislative Action

Agartala, Jan 1: The Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a minor partner in the ruling BJP coalition in Tripura, has urged the Central government to promptly implement a comprehensive anti-racial law aimed at protecting individuals from the North-east residing across India.

During a press conference, TMP representatives Rajeshwar Debbarma, CK Jamatia, and Anthony Debbarma expressed concerns that the lack of specific anti-racial legislation has allowed discrimination and racially motivated violence to persist without accountability.

They emphasized that the introduction of such a law would facilitate systematic and effective measures against racism, helping to change discriminatory attitudes and prevent violent acts against Northeastern individuals.

This demand follows the tragic death of Tripura student Angel Chakma, who was brutally attacked in Dehradun on December 9 and succumbed to his injuries on December 26.

The 24-year-old MBA student from Uttarakhand, belonging to the Chakma tribal community, suffered severe injuries after being assaulted by a group that allegedly used racial slurs against him. Chakma, whose father serves in the Border Security Force (BSF), fought for his life for 18 days before passing away in a Dehradun hospital.

Calls for Justice

TMP leader Rajeshwar Debbarma reiterated the party's demand for severe punishment for the attackers and the enforcement of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

He and other TMP leaders criticized the Uttarakhand government for its slow response to the incident. "The police in Dehradun only registered the case after intervention from Tripura's Lok Sabha member, Kriti Devi Debbarman, and after Angel's father approached the police directly," Anthony Debbarma stated.

Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the TMP chief, condemned the Uttarakhand authorities and police for allegedly downplaying the racial aspect of the attack.

He highlighted that the attackers referred to Angel using derogatory terms like 'Chinki', 'Chinese', and 'Momo', while his father was serving the nation as a BSF soldier.

Debbarma urged officials and citizens across India to recognize the presence of diverse communities from the Northeast and called for unity among Northeastern residents to combat racism.

He also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the capture of the main suspect, who is believed to have fled to Nepal.

Widespread Outrage

The incident has triggered significant outrage throughout the Northeastern region, with various leaders and organizations condemning the attack as a "horrific hate crime."

Notable figures such as Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma have voiced their condemnation, alongside numerous organizations advocating for justice.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Tripura Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha, and the National People's Party, among others, have also demanded strict penalties for those responsible for the crime.