KOHIMA, Dec 30: Nagaland’s Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, has strongly condemned the alleged racial attack on a Tripura student in Dehradun, asserting that the Northeastern states are an inseparable and integral part of India.
Reacting to the killing of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, the minister urged people to be mindful of their language and attitudes towards those from the Northeast. Speaking to reporters, Along said that while an entire community should not be blamed, those involved in the incident displayed a lack of understanding and sensitivity. “We do not consider ourselves Chinese, and we are not ‘momo’. Momo is a dish—it’s very good, and they should eat it too. But this attitude towards us is wrong,” he said.
Emphasising identity and national unity, Along stated that people from the Northeast are proud Indians and that such behaviour has no place in society. “The Northeastern states are an inseparable and integral part of India. Our physical features may be different, but we are Indians,” he said, adding that those accused should be made to understand the warmth and hospitality of people from states such as Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura.
Referring to the status of the case, the minister said he had been informed that the accused were in custody and expressed hope that justice would be delivered. He reiterated that stereotyping and racial slurs against people from the Northeast undermine social harmony and national integration.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Police, who are investigating the murder, said there is no conclusive evidence so far to establish racial abuse, even as political leaders and student organisations continue to describe the incident as a hate crime. According to the police, the accused allegedly attacked Anjel Chakma with knives and brass knuckles. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on December 26.
The victim’s father, Tarun Chakma, who is currently posted in Manipur with the Border Security Force (BSF), has alleged that racial slurs were hurled at his son during the assault.
