Public anger and grief continue to mount across Tripura following the death of 24-year-old student Anjel Chakma, who succumbed to injuries after being brutally assaulted in Dehradun earlier this month. Candlelight vigils, protest marches and student-led rallies have been organised in several parts of the State, with demonstrators demanding swift justice, accountability, and stronger action against discrimination faced by people from the Northeast.
Anjel Chakma, a resident of Tripura, was allegedly attacked on December 26 after he objected to racist remarks made against him. He sustained severe injuries in the assault and later died while undergoing treatment in Dehradun. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, particularly among student bodies and civil society organisations, who have described the killing as a disturbing reflection of persistent prejudice against people from the region.
State Government Announces Compensation, Seeks Action
In response to the growing protests, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the State government has approved a compensation of ₹5 lakh for Anjel Chakma’s family. The Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the assistance would be provided as a one-time financial relief to help the family cope with the loss.
Chief Minister Saha also confirmed that he has personally taken up the matter with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for the second time since the incident. According to Saha, his Uttarakhand counterpart has assured him that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the killing.
In a post on X, Saha said he had spoken with Dhami to emphasise the seriousness of the case. “He has reassured that all those involved in the incident will be brought to justice and that the law will take its due course. In this hour of grief, we stand firmly with the bereaved family,” the Chief Minister wrote.
Student Bodies Demand Justice and Accountability
Student organisations from Tripura have intensified pressure on the State government to ensure justice for Chakma. A four-member delegation from the Tripura Chakma Students’ Association and the Society for Welfare of Mog Students met Chief Minister Saha to submit a formal memorandum of demands.
The delegation sought government employment for one member of Chakma’s family, stronger intervention with the Uttarakhand government to ensure a time-bound investigation, and adequate compensation from the Uttarakhand authorities as well. They also urged the Tripura government to provide legal assistance to the family and closely monitor the progress of the case.
Allegations of Police Lapses Raise Serious Concerns
The All India Chakma Students’ Union (AICSU) has raised serious allegations regarding the handling of the case by the police in Uttarakhand. Drishyamuni Chakma, president of the union, accused the authorities of attempting to dilute the gravity of the offence during the initial stages of the investigation.
According to the union, the police failed to register a First Information Report (FIR) immediately after the incident. Although the assault allegedly took place on December 9, the FIR was registered only on December 12. By the time the complaint was formally recorded, one of the main accused had reportedly gone missing and remains untraced.
The delay in registering the FIR, AICSU said, reflects serious shortcomings in police action and may have compromised the investigation. The organisation has demanded an impartial probe and accountability for any lapses that may have allowed suspects to evade arrest.
Candle Marches and Public Demonstrations
In Agartala and other parts of Tripura, candlelight marches have drawn large numbers of students, activists and community members. Protesters carried candles and placards, calling for justice for Anjel Chakma and condemning racism and discrimination against people from Northeast India.
Speakers at the rallies stressed that the issue goes beyond a single case and highlights the everyday discrimination faced by Northeastern students and professionals in different parts of the country. Many demonstrators demanded stricter laws, better protection mechanisms, and increased sensitivity among law enforcement agencies.
Participants also called on educational institutions and state governments outside the Northeast to ensure the safety and dignity of students from the region.
Broader Debate on Safety and Discrimination
The killing of Anjel Chakma has reignited a broader national conversation on racial prejudice, student safety, and the treatment of people from the Northeast. Activists argue that despite repeated assurances from authorities, incidents of violence and harassment continue to occur, often without swift consequences.
As protests continue, public attention now remains focused on the pace of the investigation in Uttarakhand and whether those responsible will be brought to justice without delay. For many in Tripura, the case has become a test of institutional accountability and the country’s commitment to equality, dignity, and the rule of law.
