Paul Dangshu, MLA of the Tipra Motha Party, on March 16 told the Tripura Legislative Assembly that students from Tripura studying outside the state face racial discrimination and urged the state government to set up a formal mechanism to protect them. He raised the issue during the second day of the Assembly’s budget session and cited the December 2025 death of 24-year-old MBA student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun as a driving concern. Chakma was reportedly stabbed on December 9, 2025, following an altercation in which racial slurs were allegedly used, and he died on December 26, 2025.
Dangshu expressed condolences to the bereaved family and asked what steps the Tripura government had taken in coordination with Uttarakhand authorities to arrest the accused, who remain absconding according to his remarks. He said officials from Tripura should be sent to Uttarakhand to monitor the investigation and ensure justice is delivered.
Highlighting a wider pattern, the MLA noted that people from the Northeast frequently face racial abuse outside their home states, and that being called derogatory names such as “Chinese”, “chinki” or “momo” is not uncommon. He warned that anyone, including members of the Assembly, could encounter similar threats when away from Tripura.
Dangshu also said Chakma’s father, who serves the nation, has struggled to obtain justice and alleged there were delays in registering the FIR. He said political leaders, including Kriti Devi Debbarma, MP from East Tripura, and Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, Tipra Motha founder, had to intervene to assist the family.
To prevent future incidents, Dangshu proposed that the Tripura government create a database of students studying outside the state, appoint a designated official responsible for their welfare, and establish a 24×7 helpline for reporting racial discrimination and other emergencies. He said such measures would reassure students and families that the state stands with them.
Responding in the House, Chief Minister and Home Minister Manik Saha said the government would present detailed information on the matter to the Assembly on March 25. Dangshu urged that the tragedy serve as a reminder to put proper safeguards in place so similar cases do not recur.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/tripura-mla-seeks-helpline-for-students-facing-racial-discrimination-outside-state-1360710-2026-03-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-03-16 19:58:00
