The brutal murder of 24-year-old student from Tripura, Angel Chakma, in Dehradun should disturb every Indian, not only because a young life was lost, but because the conditions that led to it remain intact. To respond with only condolences is to fail him twice.

The real tribute lies in ensuring that no student, from any corner of India, walks our streets fearing insults, harassment, or violence, especially in places that pride themselves on being safe, spiritual, and welcoming.

The hills of Uttarakhand and the conscience of the country deserve better. Angel Chakma’s death has forced India to confront uncomfortable questions about prejudice, aggression, alcohol-fuelled bravado, and a quiet cultural decay that is eroding public life.

Angel was attacked on December 9 while buying groceries with his younger brother in the Selaqui area on the outskirts of Dehradun. He suffered grievous injuries, multiple stab wounds and blows to the head, and after clinging to life for more than two weeks, he succumbed in hospital on December 26. A promising life ended, and a family was pushed into unending grief.

The circumstances surrounding the assault are chilling. Angel was reportedly stabbed after objecting to derogatory comments hurled at him. The crime has since triggered nationwide outrage, protests from student groups and civil society, and a heated political debate over the nature of the violence. Opposition parties have called it an act of racial hatred; the Uttarakhand government has countered that there........

© News18