The issue of racial discrimination faced by students from Tripura studying outside the state took center stage in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, with Tipra Motha MLA Paul Dangshu calling for concrete measures to ensure their safety and dignity.
Raising the matter during the ongoing budget session, Dangshu referred to the tragic death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, who succumbed to injuries in December 2025 after being stabbed in Dehradun. The incident, reportedly involving racial slurs, has triggered widespread concern over the vulnerability of students from the Northeast across the country.
Dangshu questioned whether the Tripura government had effectively coordinated with authorities in Uttarakhand to ensure swift justice. He pointed to alleged delays in filing the FIR and noted that the accused remains absconding. Highlighting a broader issue, he said derogatory terms such as “Chinese” or “chinki” are frequently used against Northeastern individuals, reflecting deep-rooted racial bias.
To address these concerns, Dangshu proposed a comprehensive student welfare mechanism. His suggestions included creating a database of Tripura students studying outside the state, appointing a dedicated nodal officer, and establishing a 24×7 helpline for reporting racial harassment. He emphasized that the Chakma case must serve as a wake-up call for stronger institutional safeguards nationwide.
The MLA also acknowledged the intervention of leaders such as Kriti Devi Debbarma and Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, who extended support to the victim’s family during the crisis.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, assured the House that a detailed statement on the case and the government’s actions would be presented on March 25.
