New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has described the killing of Tripura student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun as a sad and deeply unfortunate incident, stressing that attacks targeting people from the northeast must not be tolerated. He said such incidents had not occurred for several years and expressed hope that they would not be repeated.
Speaking in Guwahati, Sarma underlined that the northeast is an integral part of India and that people from the region are equal citizens of the country. He said the state government had already condemned the killing and conveyed its condolences to the victim’s family. Emphasising accountability, he said those responsible must be identified, booked and punished under the law.
The chief minister also highlighted the need for greater awareness and education to prevent prejudice and violence based on identity. According to him, strengthening social understanding is essential to ensure that people from all regions feel safe and respected across the country.
Anjel Chakma was allegedly attacked after objecting to racial slurs during an argument involving his brother in Dehradun on December 9. The confrontation escalated into violence, during which he was stabbed and struck with blunt objects. He succumbed to his injuries more than two weeks later while undergoing treatment in hospital.
The case has drawn controversy after local police stated that the remarks which led to the confrontation did not qualify as racist and were made in jest. This assessment has been strongly disputed by the victim’s family, who criticised the remarks and demanded justice.
Separately, Sarma spoke about the issue of illegal immigration, saying Assam would adopt a tougher approach towards deporting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. He said the state could no longer afford a soft stance and that protecting Assam’s identity was as important as development. According to him, development without safeguarding identity would serve little purpose.
He said recent changes in policy mean that once a person is declared a foreigner, deportation would follow without prolonged procedures. With assembly elections due this year, the issue of illegal immigration remains a major political focus in Assam.
Sarma reiterated that equality, dignity and the rule of law must guide both governance and social conduct across the country.
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