Interim committee formed in Delhi following Tripura student Anjel Chakma’s death
Guwahati: Northeast student organisations established an Interim Committee on Thursday to focus on the safety, justice, and rights of students from India’s Northeast, following the death of Anjel Chakma.
The organisations made the decision during a meeting held at the Nagaland State Guest House in R.K. Puram, New Delhi.
D Soziio Mao, president of the Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD), chaired the meeting, which representatives from 17 student groups across the Northeastern states attended.
Abhilasha Saikia, general secretary of the Northeast Students’ Society, Delhi University (NESSDU), briefed attendees on the formation and objectives of the Interim Committee.
Bipul Chakma, president of the Delhi Chakma Students’ Union (DCSU), shared updates from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) hearing on January 6 and raised serious concerns about alleged lapses by the Uttarakhand Police in the case.
The Interim Committee has identified several key issues to focus on. One of the primary demands is the initiation of a CBI investigation into the death of Anjel Chakma, ensuring a thorough and impartial inquiry.
Another significant concern is the proper implementation and enforcement of anti-racial discrimination laws to safeguard students from the Northeast against any form of prejudice or harassment.
The committee also aims to strengthen and expand special police units, such as SPUNER, to provide better protection for Northeastern students across different states.
Members also stressed the importance of including the history of the Northeast in NCERT textbooks to improve awareness and understanding among students.
Participants also discussed enhancing the functioning of SPUNER in Delhi, citing challenges such as limited manpower.
Suggestions to improve outreach and effectiveness included partnering with student groups from other regions, running sustained social media campaigns, developing complaint-based mobile apps, and coordinating long-term action.
After discussions, the Interim Committee was formally constituted. D Soziio Mao was appointed convenor, while Bindash Chettri, president of the Sikkim Students Association Delhi, and Bipul Chakma were named co-convenors.
Abhilasha Saikia and Hadungra Narzary, president of the All Bodo Students’ Union Delhi, were appointed secretaries. Each participating student organisation will also have a representative on the committee.
The meeting concluded with organisations pledging continued support for justice and the safety of Northeastern students.