“We Are Not Momo,” Says Nagaland Minister After Tripura Student’s Killing

New Delhi: Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along on Monday strongly condemned the alleged racial attack that led to the death of a Tripura student in Dehradun, asserting that people from the North Eastern states are an inseparable and integral part of India. His remarks came amid growing anger over the killing, which has triggered calls for justice and accountability.
The victim, 24 year old Angel Chakma, was a final year MBA student at a university in Dehradun and a resident of Tripura’s Unakoti district. The incident occurred on December 9 at Selakui market, where Angel and his younger brother Michael were involved in an argument with Suraj Khawas and a group of his associates. During the confrontation, Angel was allegedly attacked with knives and brass knuckles. He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and later succumbed on December 26.
Angel’s father, Tarun Chakma, who serves with the Border Security Force in Manipur, alleged that racial slurs were used during the assault. He stated that the attackers referred to his son as “Chinese” before attacking him, describing the incident as a racially motivated act of violence.
Reacting to the killing, Minister Along said such attitudes reflected ignorance and prejudice toward the people of the North East. He stressed that they do not identify as Chinese and rejected derogatory labels used against them. He said diversity in appearance or culture does not make people any less Indian and urged greater sensitivity and understanding.
The minister added that those responsible were not representative of any community and said the accused should learn about the culture, warmth, and values of the North Eastern states. He reiterated that states like Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh are an essential part of the nation.
Police said five of the six accused involved in the case have been arrested, including two juveniles. One accused, a Nepal national, remains absconding, and a reward has been announced for information leading to his arrest. Charges were initially filed for causing bodily harm and criminal intimidation, later upgraded to attempt to murder, and subsequently to murder and joint liability following Angel’s death. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to apprehend the remaining accused.