Shillong, Dec 30: Pro–Inner Line Permit (ILP) groups in Meghalaya have called for a national anti-racism law and fast-track justice following the killing of 24-year-old Tripura MBA student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) said in a statement that Chakma died on December 26 after a violent assault. CoMSO leader Roykupar Synrem described the incident as part of a recurring pattern of racial violence faced by people from the Northeast in several Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi and Dehradun.

Synrem referred to Chakma’s reported last words “We are not Chinese, we are Indians” and said they reflected deep-rooted prejudice and exclusion experienced by students and professionals from the region.

Expressing solidarity with Tripura and the Northeast, CoMSO urged the Uttarakhand government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure a speedy trial. The organisation said five suspects have been arrested and demanded swift action against the prime accused to deter similar crimes.

The group also called for dedicated 24/7 helplines for people from the Northeast and specialised police cells in major cities, and sought accountability from educational institutions and local administrations for ensuring student safety.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma condemned the attack in a post on X, stating that racial violence undermines equality and unity and that those responsible must be punished.