Nagaland Minister Speaks Out Against Racial Attack on Tripura Student in Dehradun

Minister's Strong Response to Racial Violence

Itanagar: Temjen Imna Along, the Minister from Nagaland, has voiced his outrage regarding a recent racial attack on a Tripura student in Dehradun, emphasizing that the Northeastern states are an essential and inseparable part of India.

The incident involved 24-year-old Angel Chakma from Unakoti district, who was assaulted on December 9 after an altercation with Suraj Khawas, a 22-year-old from Manipur, and his group at Selakui market.

Angel was reportedly attacked with knives and brass knuckles, leading to his hospitalization, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on December 26.

Tarun Chakma, Angel's father and a Border Security Force officer stationed in Manipur, claimed that his son was subjected to racial slurs during the attack.

He stated that the assailants referred to Angel as 'Chinese' before the assault.

Minister Along condemned the attack, stating, 'We must think before we speak. While I cannot denounce an entire community, those responsible for this act lack understanding of the Northeastern people. We do not identify as Chinese, and the derogatory attitudes towards us are unacceptable.'

He reiterated that the Northeastern states are integral to India and that such acts reveal deep-seated ignorance and bias.

'I have been informed that the perpetrators are in custody. We aim to bring them here to show them the warmth of the people from Arunachal, Nagaland, and other states. They will learn that we are not Chinese or 'ching pong ching'; we are Indians. Our identities may differ, but we are part of India,' he added.

In related news, police have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the remaining suspect, who is believed to be hiding in Nepal, while five others, including two minors, have already been arrested.

According to Tarun Chakma, the attackers used various racial slurs against Angel.

Law enforcement confirmed that five of the six suspects involved in the December 9 incident have been apprehended, with Yagyaraj Awasthi from Nepal's Kanchanpur district still at large.

Following a complaint filed by Michael Chakma on December 12, a case was initiated under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for bodily harm and criminal intimidation.

After reviewing Angel's medical report, charges of attempted murder were added, leading to the arrest of five suspects, including two minors, on the same day.

After Angel's passing, murder charges and joint liability were also included in the case.

The arrested individuals include Suraj Khawas, Avinash Negi (25), and Sumit (25).

Angel Chakma was a final-year MBA student at a university in Dehradun.