Speaking exclusively to Northeast Scoop, the National President of the All India Chakma Students’ Union (AICSU), Drishya Muni Chakma, said he is deeply shocked and disturbed by the racial attack in Dehradun that led to the death of 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma. He said the incident has shaken the entire student community, especially those from the Northeast, who continue to face racial discrimination in different parts of the country.
The tragic incident took place on 9 December in the Selaqui area of Dehradun, where Angel was pursuing the final semester of his MBA. That evening, Angel and his younger brother Michael stepped out to buy groceries. On the way, a group of men reportedly stopped them, allegedly mocked them for their looks and questioned whether they were Indians. Witnesses later recalled Angel trying to defend himself and his identity. He reportedly said words that would soon become painful and symbolic of what followed: “We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What proof do we need to give?” Moments later, the argument turned violent and both brothers were stabbed. Angel suffered serious injuries and was admitted to hospital, where doctors kept him under treatment for more than two weeks. Despite all efforts, he passed away on Friday. His brother is still in hospital and remains in serious condition.
The news of his death has spread shock and sadness across Tripura and among student communities from the Northeast who study in different cities. Many say this is not just a crime but a reminder of the discrimination Northeastern people still face because of their appearance, language and background. 
In his exclusive conversation, AICSU President Drishya Muni Chakma said the entire student fraternity is mourning. He said students from the Northeast, when they move to big cities for education or work, face what he called “systematic racial discrimination” from time to time. Sometimes it appears as rude comments. Sometimes mockery. Sometimes name-calling. And sometimes, as in this case, it turns violent. He said Angel was a bright, hardworking student from Tripura who had gone to Dehradun simply to study and build a future. Instead, his life was cut short in a manner that has left everyone shattered.
He also expressed strong concern about how the police handled the case in the beginning. According to him, even though the attack happened on 9 December, the police registered the First Information Report (FIR) only on 12 December. He said this three-day delay took place despite repeated efforts from students and community members, including AICSU representatives. He added that one of the main accused managed to flee during this period and still remains untraced. For the union, he said, this suggests serious lapses and negligence.
Drishya Muni said AICSU took the case seriously from the first day. He deputed the organisation’s senior vice-president, based in Delhi, to travel to Dehradun, visit the area, meet the authorities and ensure that proper legal steps were taken. He said that without pressure, the case might have been treated as a minor dispute. According to him, the initial approach of the police seemed to downplay the racial angle and treat it as a routine quarrel. He said this is unacceptable in a case where a young student was attacked and later died.
He said he is deeply shocked not only by the attack itself but also by the way investigating agencies reacted in the early stage. He said registering an FIR late in such a serious matter creates doubts about how committed the police were. The delay, he said, also gave time for the accused to escape and possibly tamper with evidence. He called this a failure that needs to be examined so that similar mistakes are not repeated in future.
AICSU has demanded that the investigation be fair, impartial and free from any kind of pressure. The union wants the absconding accused arrested as soon as possible. It has also demanded that strict action be taken against police officers who failed to act promptly in the beginning. According to the union, the incident clearly contains elements of racial discrimination and cannot be reduced to just another fight or personal dispute.
He further said the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act should be applied in this case because Angel belonged to a Scheduled Tribe community. He believes this is necessary not only to ensure justice but also to send a message that crimes motivated by racial bias or prejudice will not be tolerated.
Drishya Muni added that AICSU has already reached out to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The Commission has taken cognisance of the matter and written to senior police officials and district authorities in Dehradun. He said this shows that the issue is serious and being followed at the national level. Meanwhile, the Tripura unit of AICSU has requested the state government to provide financial assistance to the bereaved family and consider giving a government job to the next of kin, so that the family receives some long-term support.
The AICSU President also said that Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has assured strict action and a full investigation. He welcomed this response but said that assurances must now be followed by visible results on the ground.
He stressed that this tragedy is not just about the Chakma community and not even only about Late Angel Chakma. He said people from the Northeast whether Chakma, Naga, Mizo, Khasi, Manipuri, Garo, Bodo or any other face similar problems when they migrate for studies or work. Many are stared at, questioned, mocked, or stereotyped as foreigners. He said this creates fear and insecurity. He believes the country needs more awareness and sensitivity so that Northeastern people can live with dignity everywhere in India.
To highlight the issue and demand justice, AICSU and several other Northeastern student bodies are planning a candlelight march in Delhi on 30 December. He said the union is coordinating with multiple student organisations, reaching out to communities, and inviting everyone to stand together. According to him, unity is important because a single community alone cannot fight discrimination. Society as a whole must recognise the problem.
Back in Tripura, people have expressed deep grief. Friends describe Angel as a soft-spoken, focused and friendly young man who wanted to complete his MBA and support his family. Now his brother is in hospital fighting for recovery, while the family struggles to accept the loss.
The incident has also triggered fresh conversations about racism in India. Many Northeastern students say they constantly feel the need to “prove” they are Indians, even though they are as much a part of the country as anyone else. Some say they try to ignore offensive comments because they worry it may lead to conflict. Others say they often feel isolated because they do not look like the majority population.
For Drishya Muni, this case is a turning point. He said justice cannot be compromised. He wants the investigation to reach its logical conclusion, the guilty punished, and the police system reviewed so that such failures do not happen again. He said AICSU will continue to pursue the matter at every possible forum legal, administrative and social until justice is delivered.
He also appealed to citizens across India to look beyond stereotypes and recognise the diversity of the country. He said students come to cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Dehradun to study, not to face humiliation. They should feel safe, supported and respected.
