Gaurav Gogoi recalls being asked for ‘passport’ in Agra, flags deep-rooted racism after Angel Chakma’s death

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on December 29 strongly condemned the killing of Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura, in Dehradun, saying the incident reflects the everyday racism faced by people from the Northeast even within their own country.

Reacting to Chakma’s death, Gogoi recalled a personal experience to underline the depth of prejudice. “This happened with me as well. When I went to Agra once, a guard asked me, ‘Where do you hail from? Show me your passport,’” the Assam MP said. He added that people from the Northeast are often treated as outsiders and questioned about their nationality despite being Indian citizens.

“We, the people from the Northeast, are asked for passports in our own country, by our own people,” Gogoi said, describing such encounters as humiliating and deeply hurtful. He noted that it takes immense courage for people from the region to proudly carry the Indian flag and assert their identity, only to be doubted by fellow citizens.

Referring to the killing of Angel Chakma, Gogoi said the incident was not just a crime against an individual but a reflection of a larger societal failure. “This is symbolic of our tolerance as well as patriotism,” he said, implying that repeated acts of racial discrimination raise serious questions about inclusivity and equality in the country.

Angel Chakma, an MBA student from Tripura, died after being allegedly assaulted in Dehradun earlier this month. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the Northeast, with students’ organisations and political leaders demanding strict action against the perpetrators and stronger safeguards for people from the region living outside their home states.

Gogoi’s remarks add to the growing chorus of voices calling for accountability, systemic reforms, and a more sensitive approach to addressing racism and discrimination faced by Northeastern communities across India.