Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has reached out to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the tragic death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura. Chakma, an MBA student, was brutally assaulted in Dehradun on December 9 and succumbed to his injuries on December 26 at Graphic Era Hospital.

The incident occurred when Anjel and his brother, Michael Chakma, were allegedly attacked by a group of intoxicated men following a dispute. Eyewitness accounts suggest the altercation began after the Chakma brothers protested against racial slurs directed at them. During the assault, Anjel was stabbed in the abdomen and head while trying to protect his brother, Michael, who also sustained injuries.

Following the incident, Anjel was initially treated in Dehradun before being transferred to a hospital in Bengaluru, where he eventually passed away. The news of his death has sparked outrage and grief in Tripura, with many calling for swift and decisive action against those responsible.

In a conversation between the two Chief Ministers, Dhami informed Saha that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. He assured that a thorough investigation is underway and that justice will be served. Saha also shared the details of the conversation on social media.

The Chakma Development Foundation of India has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure a fast-track trial in the case and enact a comprehensive anti-racial violence law, citing growing attacks and discrimination against people from the North East outside the region.

Leaders from the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) and Tipra Indigenous Students' Federation received Chakma's mortal remains at Agartala airport and attended his funeral. Sajra Debbarma, a YTF leader, highlighted the routine racial abuse faced by people from the North East, including derogatory slurs like "Momo," "Chinese," and "Chinki". Debbarma asserted that such language demeans individuals and questions the patriotism of an entire region based on physical appearance.

Bipin Debbarma, Tripura BJP General Secretary, stated that the Tripura government is committed to pursuing the matter administratively and that the Uttarakhand government has assured full cooperation. He emphasized that such incidents should not occur, especially considering the number of students from Tripura and the Northeast studying in Uttarakhand.