Racial hatred

The tragic incident involving Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, serves as a painful reminder of the deeply rooted racism that persists in Indian society, particularly against the Tibeto-Burman and Austroasiatic peoples of Northeast India. What should have been a mundane outing of buying groceries in the Selaqui area of Dehradun turned into a nightmare on December 9, when they were confronted by a group of six individuals. The six goons unleashed a torrent of racial slurs. Terms like “Chinki,” “Chinese,” and “Momo” epitomizing the insidious prejudice that lies dormant in segments of India society, only to erupt when it finds a target. The situation escalated rapidly when one of the attackers mockingly asked, “Oye Chinese, have you come to buy pork?” This provocation led Angel, to confront his assailants. What followed was that Angel was stabbed and subjected to a brutal beating with a metal object, rendering him unconscious for 14 harrowing days in the hospital. Medical reports confirm the gravity of his injuries, including a brain hemorrhage. Against this backdrop of brutality, the response from local law enforcement has been nothing short of appalling. Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajai Singh denied that the attack was racially motivated, framing it instead as a mere clash between the victim and the assailants. Such a dismissal not only downplays the severity of the incident but also raises concerns about the police’s commitment to addressing hate crimes. The Dehradun Police seemed more intent on minimizing the motivations behind the attack than fulfilling their duty to bring justice to the victim. Their eagerness to downplay the racially charged nature of this assault reflects a troubling inclination to protect perpetrators rather than serving the interests of justice. If racial slur did not ignite the altercation then what escalated the encounter? The focus should be on how the police are responding to the heinous act of violence rather than absolving the attackers by downplaying their derogatory comments. The local police authority’s stance appears to shield the attackers from additional charges that could come from racially motivated violence, effectively sending a message that such acts can be minimized or dismissed. Angel Chakma’s tragic death is more than just another statistic in the narrative of hate; it represents a young life taken prematurely. Also he was the son of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan who dedicated his life to safeguarding the nation’s borders. As the nation grapples with this heartbreaking loss, it is imperative that the justice system responds with the severity that such an egregious crime warrants. The public demands transparency and accountability from the police, particularly concerning their handling of this investigation. The Dehradun Police must clarify their position and actions, especially when the shadows of racial hatred cast a long pall over this tragedy. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need to confront racism head-on rather than allowing it to fester unnoticed. Citizens must reflect on their societal attitudes and challenge the prejudice that, all too often, goes unchecked. It is by acknowledging these uncomfortable truths that citizens can hope to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. The death of Angel Chakma must motivate citizens to demand justice and accountability, not just for him but for all whose lives are impacted by racism and hate.