CoMSO condemns murder of Tripura student, demands enactment of anti-racism law

SHILLONG, DEC 29: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) strongly condemned the brutal killing of Anjel Chakma, a 24‑year‑old MBA student from Tripura, who succumbed to injuries on December 26, 2025 following a racially motivated assault.

CoMSO described the incident as part of a “systematic and recurring pattern of violence” faced by people from the North‑East across metropolitan hubs in India, including Bengaluru and Delhi.

The organisation highlighted that Chakma’s final words—“We are not Chinese, we are Indians”—serve as a stark indictment of entrenched prejudice against the region’s residents.

In its statement issued on Monday, CoMSO demanded both the central and state governments on the need for urgent establishment of a fast‑track trial for the accused, with the prime suspect to be brought to justice promptly.

It urged the government to enact a comprehensive Anti‑Racism Law to address hate crimes based on racial and ethnic characteristics and setting up of a mandatory 24/7 “North East Helplines” and specialised police cells in every major city to safeguard students and professionals.

The CoMSO also asserted that institutions and local administrations must be held responsible for failing to provide a safe, inclusive environment.

“We will not remain silent while our youth are murdered for the way they look. If the ‘Mainland’ continues to treat us as outsiders, they are effectively pushing our people toward a sense of total alienation. We demand more than just ‘condolences’; we demand systemic change and the protection of our dignity as citizens of this country,” CoMSO chairman Roykupar Synrem said.

The organisation warned that it stands ready to join forces with other regional bodies of the North‑East to launch a democratic agitation if concrete actions are not taken to curb the rising tide of racial hatred.