Tragic Killing of Tripura Student Sparks Outrage and NHRC Intervention

NHRC Takes Action Following Student's Death

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the district magistrate and senior superintendent of police in Dehradun regarding the racially motivated murder of a Tripura student in Uttarakhand's capital.

The NHRC has mandated an investigation into the claims and requested a report on the actions taken within a week.

Additionally, the commission has instructed that the case details be forwarded to both the chief secretary and the director general of police in Uttarakhand.

The NHRC emphasized the need to ensure the safety of students from the North Eastern region throughout the state.

Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student at a private university in Dehradun, was reportedly attacked with a knife and a bracelet on December 9. He succumbed to his injuries on December 26 after spending 17 days in the hospital.

His father, a Border Security Force (BSF) officer stationed in Manipur, claimed that Anjel was 'brutally attacked' while trying to defend his brother, who was insulted with the term 'Chinese' by the assailants.

The attackers referred to the brothers as 'Chinese momo' and hurled abuse at them, according to the victim's father.

Anjel reportedly asserted his identity as an Indian, stating, 'I am also Indian, not Chinese,' before being assaulted with knives and blunt objects.

The NHRC bench, led by member Priyank Kanoongo, has acknowledged the case under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

The complaint alleges that the Tripura student was targeted in a 'racially motivated incident' while pursuing his studies outside his home state.

It further claims that he was assaulted after asserting his identity as an Indian citizen, highlighting a troubling trend of racial discrimination against individuals from the North-East.

The incident has ignited widespread outrage across the nation, reflecting systemic failures by local authorities to prevent such violence and protect vulnerable communities.

The complainant has described the incident as a 'serious violation' of the victim's rights to life, dignity, and equality.

The NHRC has been urged to intervene urgently, ensuring accountability and implementing measures to prevent hate crimes.

The commission has indicated that the allegations appear to constitute violations of the victim's human rights.

The NHRC has directed the Dehradun DM and SSP to investigate the claims and submit a report within seven days for the commission's review.

On Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached out to the victim's father, promising stringent action against the perpetrators.

Political leaders from various parties have called for unified efforts to combat 'hate crimes' targeting individuals from the northeastern states.