I am Indian: The Heartbreaking Last Words of Anjel Chakma and the Fight Against Racism

​The story of Anjel Chakma is one that has left a deep scar on the conscience of the nation. It is a story that begins with a simple, everyday chore and ends in a tragedy that highlights a dark reality often ignored in our society. Anjel was a twenty four year old MBA student from Tripura living in Dehradun. He was a young man with dreams, a student working toward a better future, and the son of a Border Security Force head constable. He was someone who believed in the identity of his country. Yet, it was this very identity that he had to defend in his final moments.

​On a Friday in Dehradun, Anjel passed away in a hospital after fighting for his life for over fourteen days. He had been stabbed during a brutal confrontation that started because of the way he looked. His death is not just a police case; it is a moment of reckoning for India. It forces us to ask why a citizen of this country has to die while proving he belongs here. The details of that evening are as chilling as they are heartbreaking.

​A Regular Evening Turned Into a Nightmare

​The incident took place on December 9 in the Selaqui area of Uttarakhand’s capital. Anjel and his younger brother, Michael, had been living and studying in Dehradun for over a year. That evening, they did what thousands of students do every single day. They went out to the local market for a regular grocery run. They were just two brothers walking through their neighborhood, perhaps discussing their studies or what to cook for dinner.

​However, their walk was interrupted by a group of six men. These men began hurling racial slurs at the brothers. They used derogatory terms, mocking their physical appearance and questioning their nationality. This is a painful experience that many people from the Northeast of India face when they move to other parts of the country. For Anjel, however, this wasn't something he was willing to let slide quietly. He chose to stand his ground.

​The Final Stand of a Patriot

​When the group of men continued their taunts, Anjel did not respond with violence or insults. Instead, he spoke with the calm dignity of someone who knew exactly who he was. According to reports, his last major confrontation involved him telling the group that they were not Chinese. He looked them in the eye and said that they were Indians. He asked a question that should haunt every citizen: what certificate should we show to prove that?

​Anjel’s words were a powerful assertion of his birthright. As the son of a man serving in the BSF, a force that protects India’s borders, Anjel grew up in a household where patriotism was a way of life. To be called an outsider in his own country was an insult to everything his family stood for. Unfortunately, his attempt to reason with the group was met with brutal, senseless violence. The men allegedly pulled out knives and stabbed the brothers. Anjel took the brunt of the attack, leading to the injuries that would eventually take his life.

​The Investigation and the Search for Justice

​Following the attack, the local police swung into action, but for Anjel, the damage was already done. While he was moved to a hospital to begin a long and painful battle for survival, the authorities began rounding up the suspects. So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the stabbing. Shockingly, two of the individuals involved are juveniles. This adds another layer of tragedy to the situation, as it shows how deeply rooted prejudice can be, even among the youth.

​However, the prime accused in the case remains on the run. The police suspect that he may have fled across the border to Nepal to evade capture. A reward of twenty five thousand rupees has been announced for any information leading to his arrest. For Anjel’s family, every day that the main perpetrator remains free is a day without peace. They are mourning a son who went out for groceries and never came home, all because he dared to say he was Indian.

​Protests Erupt from Dehradun to Tripura

​The news of Anjel’s death has sparked a wave of anger and grief across the country, particularly in his home state of Tripura. Protests have erupted as people take to the streets to demand justice for the young student. The images of his grieving parents, especially his father who serves the nation, have moved many to tears. The community is not just demanding the arrest of the killers; they are demanding a systemic change.

​In Tripura, the protesters are calling for a national anti-racism law. They argue that existing laws are not enough to protect people from the Northeast from the persistent discrimination they face in "mainland" India. This incident has reignited the conversation about the "othering" of citizens based on their features. For many, Anjel has become a symbol of a struggle that has gone on for far too long. His death is being seen as a wake-up call that the government and society can no longer ignore.

​The Daily Reality of Racial Slurs

​What happened to Anjel is an extreme version of a reality that many students and professionals from the Northeast face daily. From being called names on the street to facing discrimination in housing and employment, the challenges are many. Often, these incidents are dismissed as "jokes" or "misunderstandings." But as Anjel’s story shows, these slurs are rooted in a dangerous mindset that can quickly turn into physical violence.

​When we ignore small acts of prejudice, we create an environment where a group of men feels empowered to attack a student in broad daylight. The tragedy in Dehradun is a reminder that words have consequences. Calling someone a foreigner in their own land is an act of exclusion that chips away at the unity of the country. Anjel’s question about the "certificate of Indianness" is a sharp critique of a society that decides who belongs based on how they look rather than their heart and soul.

​A Family Shattered by Hate

​The most heartbreaking part of this story is the loss felt by Anjel’s family. They sent their sons to Dehradun with the hope that a good education would lead to a bright future. They trusted the city and the country to keep them safe. Instead, they are now dealing with the unimaginable pain of burying a child. Michael, who witnessed the attack on his brother and was injured himself, will have to carry the trauma of that evening for the rest of his life.

​Anjel was described by those who knew him as a bright, hardworking student. He was someone who believed in the system. Even when faced with a mob, he didn't run; he tried to talk. He believed that the truth of his identity would be enough to protect him. His death is a loss not just for his family, but for the nation. We have lost a young man who was proud to call himself Indian, killed by people who didn't understand what that word truly means.

​The Need for a National Conversation

​As we move forward, it is essential that the conversation sparked by Anjel’s death does not fade away. We need to talk about racism in India openly and honestly. It is not enough to just catch the criminals; we must address the prejudice that led them to hold a knife in the first place. Schools, colleges, and workplaces must become spaces where diversity is celebrated, and discrimination is met with strict action.

​The demand for a national anti-racism law is a step in the right direction. Such a law would send a clear message that hate speech and racial discrimination will not be tolerated. It would provide a legal framework for victims to seek justice and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. But beyond laws, we need a change in heart. We need to realize that being Indian comes in many different forms, languages, and faces.

​Conclusion: Honoring Anjel’s Memory

​Anjel Chakma’s last words should be remembered by every Indian. "We are Indians." These were not just words; they were a testament to his life. To honor his memory, we must ensure that no other student has to stand in a market and defend their nationality against a group of bullies. We must strive to build a country where every citizen feels safe, respected, and truly at home, regardless of which part of the map they come from.

​The pursuit of justice for Anjel is a test for our legal system and our society. We must ensure that the prime accused is caught and that the trial is swift. But more importantly, we must ensure that we never forget the boy from Tripura who loved his country so much that he spent his last moments defending its name. Anjel’s story is a tragedy, but his courage should be an inspiration for us all to stand up against hate.