By Dr Asha Lal
The tragic murder of Angel Chakma has shaken the conscience of the nation and raised serious concerns about safety, inclusion, and social harmony in India. This painful incident is not merely the loss of an individual life; it is a reminder that the promise of equality and dignity for every Indian must be actively protected.
India is a diverse nation built on constitutional values of unity, justice, and mutual respect. When any citizen feels unsafe or alienated because of identity, region, or background, it becomes a matter of national concern. The Angel Chakma case compels society and institutions alike to introspect and act responsibly.
Role of Society
Society must move beyond symbolic mourning and take constructive steps. Citizens, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and media must:
•Reject silence and speak out against discrimination and violence
•Promote dialogue, empathy, and respect for diversity
•Counter misinformation and hate narratives with facts and constitutional values
•Support vulnerable communities through awareness, legal assistance, and social engagement.
A society that remains silent in the face of injustice risks normalising it.
Role of the Nation
At the national level, the focus must remain on:
•Speedy, transparent, and impartial investigation and justice
•Strengthening law enforcement sensitivity and accountability
•Reaffirming constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity, and security
•Ensuring that no Indian is treated as an outsider in their own country.
Justice must not only be done but must be clearly seen to be done, to restore public trust and confidence.
A Call for Collective Action
Angel Chakma’s death should not fade into statistics or forgotten headlines. It must serve as a turning point—urging society and governance systems to work together to prevent such tragedies in the future.
True national strength lies not only in economic or military power, but in the assurance that every Indian belongs, is protected, and is valued equally.
Let this moment remind us that honouring Angel Chakma means building an India where no citizen feels like a stranger in their own land.
(Dr Asha Lal is President (Women Cell) All India Freedom Fighter’s Committee, Delhi.)
