Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Calls for Police Unit After Student's Death

NEW DELHI: Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, has called for the establishment of a dedicated police unit for the Northeast region following the death of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura. This request comes in the wake of Chakma's tragic passing, which Rijiju attributes to a racial attack, raising broader concerns about the safety of individuals from the Northeast in India.

Speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Rijiju expressed his distress over the incident that occurred in Dehradun, where Chakma was studying for an MBA. He stated, "The incident that happened in Dehradun, a student from the Northeast died, we are very sad. There is anger as well. It should not just be seen as an incident. Why only Northeast? The whole country should be sad."

Rijiju's comments highlight a growing concern regarding racial attacks against individuals from the Northeast, a demographic that has faced discrimination in various parts of India. He emphasised the need for societal awareness and sensitivity towards these issues, urging all sections of society to reflect on the prevalence of racial violence.

In his remarks, Rijiju noted the actions taken by the Uttarakhand government following Chakma's death, which reportedly included the arrest of five individuals connected to the incident. He praised the state’s vigilance but reiterated the necessity for a specialised police unit, similar to the one established in Delhi, to protect the rights and safety of Northeastern residents.

He remarked, "Uttarakhand government has taken vigilance, and probably 5 people have also been arrested. This is not a political issue. There should be protection for the people from the Northeast. When Prime Minister Modi swore in as the Prime Minister, 20-40 incidents were normal, but with the Delhi special unit established, the number of incidents decreased."

Rijiju’s call for action echoes a broader demand for systemic changes to address the challenges faced by people from the Northeast, particularly in terms of safety and recognition. He believes that raising awareness can significantly mitigate these incidents and foster a more inclusive society.

The tragic case of Anjel Chakma has reignited discussions on the treatment of people from the Northeast, with many advocating for stronger protections and a more comprehensive approach to preventing racial violence across India. As the nation grapples with these issues, Rijiju's statements underscore the urgent need for action and awareness in combating racial discrimination.