Nagaland minister expresses grief over Tripura student's death: 'We're not momo, we're integral part of India'

Temjen Imna

Nagaland minister Temjen Imna has reacted to the murder of Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura, who was attacked by six men after he objected a racial slur.

"First of all, we should think before speaking. I cannot condemn the entire community, but the people who did it are not intellectuals and don't know anything about the people of the North East. In any way, we don't consider ourselves Chinese, and in any form, we are not 'momo'. Momo is a dish; it's very good, and they should also eat it. But this attitude towards us is wrong," he said.

"I have heard that the people who committed this crime are in jail. We want to bring them here, and we will show them how sweet the people of Arunachal, Nagaland or any other state are. They will get to know that we are not Chinese or 'ching pong ching', we are also Indians. Yes, our characters are different -- we are from Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura -- but we are an integral part of India," he added.

Earlier today, union minister Kiren Rijiju had also reacted to the incident and said that it is very deeply hurtful. He also said that this is unfortunately not an isolated incident against the people of northeast India. He added that Indians from any part should be able to feel safe anywhere.

Chakma, the 24-year-old victim, had been attacked with knives and brass knucles on December 9, following which, he was rushed to the hospital.

However, he succumbed to his injuries on December 26.

Angel's father, Tarun Chakma, who is currently posted in Manipur with the Border Security Force (BSF), alleged that "racial slurs" were hurled at his son during the assault.

According to him, the attackers called Angel "Chinese" before attacking him.

(With agency inputs)