Why did Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along Speak Out on the Killing of a Tripura Student?
Synopsis
The recent tragic killing of Angel Chakma, a Tripura student in Dehradun, has sparked outrage and condemnation from Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along. He emphasizes the importance of North Eastern states as integral parts of India and criticizes racial prejudice against them.
Key Takeaways
Racial prejudice remains a critical issue in India.
Minister Temjen Imna Along emphasizes the unity of North Eastern states with the rest of India.
Several suspects have been arrested, with ongoing efforts to capture the remaining assailant.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Education and awareness about cultural diversity are essential to combat racial bias.
Itanagar, Dec 29 (NationPress) Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along expressed his outrage on Monday regarding the alleged racial assault on a student from Tripura in Dehradun, emphasizing that the North Eastern regions are an essential and inseparable part of India.
The victim, Angel Chakma, aged 24 and hailing from Unakoti district in Tripura, engaged in a dispute with Suraj Khawas (22), a resident of Manipur currently residing in Dehradun, along with five of his associates at Selakui market on December 9.
Following the argument, the accused reportedly attacked Angel with knives and brass knuckles, leading to his hospitalization. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on December 26.
Angel's father, Tarun Chakma, who serves with the Border Security Force (BSF) in Manipur, claimed that during the attack, his son was subjected to racial slurs.
According to him, the assailants referred to Angel as 'Chinese' prior to the assault.
Minister Temjen Imna Along condemned the incident, stating, "Firstly, we must think before we speak. While I cannot denounce the entire community, the individuals responsible for this act lack understanding of the North Eastern people. In no way do we consider ourselves Chinese, and we are certainly not 'momo'. Momo is a delicious dish that everyone should enjoy, but this mentality towards us is unacceptable."
He reiterated that the North-Eastern states are an integral component of India and such occurrences signify ignorance and bias.
"I have been informed that those who perpetrated this crime are in custody. We aim to bring them here, allowing them to experience 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 also Indians. Our characteristics may differ as we are from Nagaland, Manipur, or Tripura, but we belong to India," he further stated.
Meanwhile, the police have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the single absconding suspect, who is from Nepal, and have dispatched a team to the neighboring country. Five others, including two minors, have already been arrested.
According to Tarun Chakma, the attackers used additional racial slurs directed at Angel.
Police reported that five of the six individuals allegedly connected to the December 9 incident have been taken into custody, while Yagyaraj Awasthi, a resident of Nepal's Kanchanpur district, is still at large.
Following a complaint lodged by Michael Chakma on December 12, a case was initiated under sections 115(2), 118, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing bodily injury and criminal intimidation, prompting an investigation.
Subsequently, based on Angel's medical report, Section 109 of the BNS, concerning attempted murder, was included in the case, and five suspects were apprehended the same day, including two minors.
In light of Angel's passing, police have added sections 103(1), related to murder, and 3(5), concerning joint liability, to the charges.
Apart from Suraj Khawas, the detained suspects have been identified as Avinash Negi (25) and Sumit (25).
Angel Chakma was a final-year MBA student at a university in Dehradun.
Point of View
The incident involving Angel Chakma serves as a stark reminder of the racial biases that still exist in our society. It is essential for all citizens to foster a spirit of unity and inclusivity, recognizing the diverse cultures that contribute to our national identity. The response from government officials like Minister Temjen Imna Along is crucial in addressing and combating such prejudices.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Angel Chakma?
Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura, was fatally attacked in Dehradun following a confrontation, allegedly motivated by racial prejudice.
Who is Temjen Imna Along?
Temjen Imna Along is the Minister for Nagaland who condemned the racial attack on Angel Chakma.
What actions have been taken against the suspects?
Several suspects have been arrested, while one remains at large. A reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the absconding suspect.
How did Angel's father respond to the incident?
Angel's father, Tarun Chakma, highlighted the racial slurs directed at his son during the attack, expressing outrage over the incident.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident underscores the ongoing issue of racial bias in India, particularly against individuals from the North Eastern states, and highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding.
