Post by : Meena Ariff

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the brutal racial attack on 24-year-old Tripura student Anjel Chakma, who tragically died in Uttarakhand. Anjel and his brother Michael were violently attacked by a group of men armed with knives and blunt weapons in Dehradun. Gandhi described the incident as a "horrific hate crime" and accused the ruling BJP leadership of normalizing hatred through toxic narratives, particularly targeting the youth.

Anjel Chakma sustained critical injuries, including stab wounds to his neck and abdomen, and succumbed to his injuries on December 26. His brother Michael was also hurt in the attack, receiving a head injury. The attack took place on the evening of December 9 near Selaqui, Dehradun, where the brothers had gone for some work.

According to police reports, the assault followed an argument between the Chakma brothers and some local men, along with another individual from the Northeast who used racial slurs. When the brothers protested against the abuse, the situation escalated into a violent fight. During the clash, Anjel was stabbed multiple times, while Michael was struck on the head with a blunt object.

In response to the attack, authorities have arrested five individuals, including two minors who have been sent to a juvenile reform home. One accused, a Nepalese national, has fled, prompting a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his capture. Police officials have also coordinated with Nepalese authorities to apprehend the fugitive.

The tragic killing has ignited widespread outrage in Tripura and the Northeast, where student organizations and civil society groups are demanding stringent punishment for the culprits. They have also called upon the Central Government to take strong measures against persistent racial discrimination faced by youths from the Northeast in various parts of India.

Expressing his condolences, Rahul Gandhi emphasized that "India is built on respect and unity, not fear and abuse." He added that the country must not become a society that turns a blind eye to hate crimes targeting fellow citizens. Gandhi called on the nation to reflect and confront the rising intolerance.

BJP Tripura state General Secretary Bipin Debbarma described Anjel’s death as "deeply saddening" for all Tripura residents. He confirmed that the Tripura Chief Minister has spoken with his Uttarakhand counterpart to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

This incident has once again spotlighted the urgent need for addressing racial discrimination and ensuring the safety and dignity of all citizens, especially those from the Northeast living in other parts of the country.

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