Tripura Student Murder: NESO Demands Capital Punishment, Calls for Anti-Racism Act
Guwahati | December 30 : The Tripura student murder case has triggered nationwide outrage, with the North East Students’ Organisation demanding the harshest punishment. NESO has called for capital punishment for those involved in the killing of Angel Chakma in Dehradun.
Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, died after a brutal assault earlier this month. He succumbed to his injuries on December 26 after battling for life for over two weeks.
NESO submitted a memorandum to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday. The organisation demanded immediate legal and institutional reforms to address racial violence.
NESO represents the apex students’ body of the Northeast.
NESO Seeks Death Penalty and Anti-Racism Law
In its memorandum, NESO demanded capital punishment for every perpetrator involved in the crime. The organisation described the attack as racially motivated and deeply disturbing.
According to NESO, Angel Chakma was beaten and stabbed multiple times on December 9. His brother, Micheal Chakma, also suffered injuries during the attack.
The memorandum stated that the victims were targeted due to their physical appearance. It alleged that the attackers hurled racial abuses during the assault.
“The only reason was that they looked different,” NESO said in the letter. The statement described the abuse as degrading and inhuman.
Moreover, NESO demanded the enactment of a stringent Anti-Racism Act. The proposed law would address racial discrimination across India.
The organisation also urged the government to establish special police stations. These units would handle cases involving racial discrimination against Northeastern people.
Concerns Over Safety of Northeast Students
NESO strongly condemned the recurring harassment of people from the Northeast. It said such incidents continue across several Indian cities.
The organisation urged CM Dhami to intervene immediately. It asked the state to ensure mental, physical, and social security for students.
NESO stressed that Dehradun hosts many students from the Northeast. Therefore, preventive measures remain essential.
Additionally, the All India Chakma Students’ Union raised serious concerns about the investigation. The union has requested a CBI probe into the murder.
It also demanded that the trial be shifted outside Uttarakhand. The organisation cited a lack of trust in the local police.
Family Alleges Police Lapses in Investigation
The victim’s family has alleged serious procedural lapses by Uttarakhand Police. According to the union, police delayed registering the FIR by three days.
The family also claimed authorities failed to apply appropriate legal sections initially. Moreover, they alleged attempts to dilute the crime.
The memorandum accused senior officials of portraying the incident as a “fight.” It said police ignored clear signs of racial abuse.
These lapses have weakened public confidence in the investigation, according to student bodies.
Officials have not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
Father’s Emotional Appeal for Protection
Angel Chakma’s father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, made an emotional appeal to the government. He urged authorities to protect students from the Northeast.
“My appeal is simple,” he said. “What happened to my son should not happen again.”
He stressed that the Northeast is an integral part of India. He said its people deserve equal dignity and safety.
Angel’s death has sparked protests and demands for justice across the region. Student groups continue to call for accountability.
Meanwhile, NESO has warned of intensified protests if authorities fail to act.