Tripura CM to take up Angel Chakma's killing with Uttarakhand CM in Delhi meeting
Agartala, Jan 14
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Wednesday that he would again raise the issue of the killing of Tripura student Angel Chakma with his Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami during a meeting in New Delhi to expedite the investigation in the murder.
Angel Chakma was killed in Dehradun in an alleged racially-motivated attack.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister visited Angel's family at their residence in Nandan Nagar, on the outskirts of Agartala, and assured them of all possible support.
Later, in a post on his X handle, Saha said: "Visited the house of late Angel Chakma at Nandannagar, Agartala, and met his grieving parents and family members. I expressed my heartfelt condolences and assured them of all possible support from the State Government. I will also take up the matter with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji, to ensure the investigation is expedited.."
Speaking to the media later, Saha said that he would visit the national Capital on January 18 to attend a two-day meeting from January 19-20 of all Chief Ministers, during which he would discuss the Angel Chakma killing with his Uttarakhand counterpart.
"Chief Minister Dhami had earlier informed me that five of the accused have been arrested and a financial reward has been announced to nab the sixth accused. Since the incident, I have been in constant touch with the Uttarakhand government," Saha said.
According to the Chief Minister, the attackers first assaulted Angel's younger brother, Michael Chakma, and when Angel tried to protect his brother, he was violently attacked by the assailants on December 9 in the BJP-ruled state.
The Tripura government has already provided an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to Angel's family and is considering extending further help.
The Uttarakhand government has also provided an ex gratia of Rs 4.12 lakh to the bereaved family, while the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has extended Rs 3 lakh as financial aid.
Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA final-year student, succumbed to his injuries on December 26 after battling for life for 18 days in a hospital in Dehradun.
The family has demanded a CBI probe into the incident.
The killing triggered widespread outrage across all eight northeastern states, with several Chief Ministers and leaders from almost all political parties, including the BJP, Congress, Tipra Motha Party and Left parties, demanding strict punishment for those involved.
Several organisations held candlelight marches, torch rallies and protest programmes in Agartala and other places to condemn the incident.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader from Uttarakhand and former Rajya Sabha member Tarun Vijay also met Angel's family recently and demanded the strictest punishment for the murderers.
Condemning the incident, Vijay had said exemplary punishment must be awarded to deter such crimes in the future. He added that the Tripura Chief Minister had held several discussions with his Uttarakhand counterpart regarding the case.
Vijay also proposed that Angel Chakma's younger brother, Michael Chakma, be provided a government job in Tripura to ensure the family's financial stability. He further suggested the formation of a special Northeast cell within the Uttarakhand Police to address cases of racial abuse and discrimination.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is so heartbreaking. A young student with his whole life ahead, lost because of such senseless violence. The idea of a special Northeast cell in Uttarakhand police is excellent and should be implemented nationwide. We are one country, one people.
While the financial aid and political assurances are welcome, the family's demand for a CBI probe seems valid. A transparent investigation by a central agency will ensure no local biases affect the case. The sixth accused must be caught immediately.
As someone living in Dehradun, I'm ashamed this happened in our city. The attackers do not represent us. I'm glad leaders from both states are cooperating. Providing a government job to the brother is a very thoughtful and practical step for the family's future.
Respectfully, I feel the response, while good, has been reactive. We need proactive measures. Why do students from the Northeast still face discrimination in other parts of their own country? Sensitization programs in schools and colleges are needed from a young age.
Angel was trying to protect his brother. He died a hero's death for his family. May his soul rest in peace. The ex-gratia is helpful, but what the family truly needs is closure and the assurance that the guilty will be punished. Hope the Delhi meeting yields concrete results.
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