The North East Media Forum (NEMF) has strongly condemned the killing of 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun and has called for the urgent implementation of the Bezbaruah Committee Report to address racial discrimination faced by people from the Northeast across India.
According to the Forum, the incident took place on 9 December 2025 in the Selaqui area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Angel and his brother Michael Chakma were reportedly attacked by a group of six people. The situation allegedly began near a canteen close to a liquor shop, where the attackers are said to have used racially abusive language, calling Angel “Chinese,” “Chinki,” and “Momo.” When Angel objected to these remarks, the attackers allegedly assaulted him with a knife and an iron rod, leading to serious head and spinal injuries.
Angel was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Dehradun, where he fought for his life for 17 days. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on 26 December 2025. The North East Media Forum noted that his death has shocked the community, especially students and working professionals from the Northeast who live in other parts of the country for education and employment. 
In its statement, the Forum extended its deepest condolences to Angel’s family and expressed solidarity with them during this difficult time. It also stressed that this incident should not be seen as an isolated crime. Instead, the Forum said it reflects a continuing pattern of racial violence and discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in various parts of India. The organisation said such incidents create fear and insecurity among Northeastern communities living outside the region.
The NEMF has demanded a swift, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the case. It has also urged authorities to apply appropriate legal provisions that specifically address hate crimes and to ensure exemplary punishment for the accused. The Forum further called for accountability in case there were any lapses on the part of law enforcement agencies during or after the incident.
A key part of the Forum’s appeal is the immediate and full implementation of the Bezbaruah Committee Report. This committee was formed to examine issues of racial discrimination, security, and integration concerning people from the Northeastern states. The NEMF said the recommendations of the committee have still not been properly enforced, despite repeated appeals over the years. According to the Forum, this neglect has contributed to the continuation of discrimination, harassment, and violence against Northeastern citizens in other parts of the country.
The Forum stated that the government must now respond with urgency so that such tragedies do not happen again. It added that the killing of a young student like Angel is a grim reminder that racism and prejudice still exist and that meaningful reform is needed to make Northeastern people feel secure and respected wherever they live in India.
The NEMF also stressed the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in society regarding the identity and culture of people from the Northeast. It said that mockery, stereotyping, and racist name-calling often go unchecked, and these actions can escalate into violence if not addressed early. The Forum urged educational institutions, employers, local authorities, and community leaders to work together to promote inclusiveness and respect for diversity.
The death of Angel Chakma has prompted renewed calls from civil society groups, student bodies, and rights organisations for stronger legal and social protections for people from the Northeast. Many believe that effective implementation of the Bezbaruah Committee Report could help improve policing, grievance-redressal mechanisms, and public awareness, thereby reducing cases of discrimination and hate-motivated attacks.
