Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has called for action over a viral video that allegedly shows a social media content creator making racially derogatory remarks against a young man from Tripura. The incident has triggered widespread anger across the state and renewed concerns about discrimination against people from Northeast India.
Saha directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura to coordinate with Delhi Police regarding the matter. The chief minister’s office said the law would take its course.
The response came amid growing demands from political leaders and civil society organisations for an investigation into the video and appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also condemned the alleged conduct. He said the individual would face action and criticised the delay in filing an official complaint. Rijiju further warned that tolerating such behaviour could contribute to the spread of hatred in society.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage Over Alleged Racial Remarks
The controversy centres on a video purportedly featuring content creator Amir Shokeen and a young man from Tripura. The clip allegedly shows Shokeen asking the youth his name before making remarks referring to him as “Chinese”.
The video drew widespread criticism on social media, with many users accusing the creator of using racial stereotypes to humiliate someone from the Northeast.
People from the region have repeatedly raised concerns about being identified through their physical appearance rather than their identity as Indian citizens. The latest controversy has added to those concerns, particularly among communities that have faced racial stereotyping outside the Northeast.
The allegations have also prompted discussions about the responsibility of social media creators. Critics argue that content made for entertainment should not rely on racial insults or reinforce prejudice against particular communities.
However, the full circumstances surrounding the video and the allegations are matters for the authorities to examine.
Content Creator Issues Apology, Claims Video Was Scripted
Following the backlash, Shokeen posted an apology on social media. He claimed that the video was scripted and made for entertainment. He also said that the young man featured in the clip was known to him.
In the apology, Shokeen acknowledged that the video had hurt people’s sentiments and expressed regret. He maintained that he had not intended to insult the people of Tripura.
His explanation, however, did not end the controversy. Several political leaders and organisations continued to demand a formal investigation, arguing that describing the clip as scripted would not automatically resolve concerns about the alleged use of racial language.
The authorities will need to establish the facts, including the circumstances in which the video was recorded and whether any laws were violated.
Political Leaders Demand Strict Action
The incident has drawn reactions from leaders across political lines. Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma urged the authorities to take strict action and said the alleged remarks had hurt the sentiments of people across Tripura.
Debbarma argued that racial insults should not be dismissed as jokes or attempts to attract attention online. He also called for a firm response from the state government and referred to the wider problem of discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in other parts of India.
The Youth Tipra Federation, the youth wing of Tipra Motha, lodged a complaint at the NCC police station in Agartala on October 21. The organisation sought legal action against Shokeen over the alleged racial abuse and humiliation of the young man.
The complaint called for an investigation and coordination with authorities in Delhi. It also highlighted concerns about the dignity and identity of people from the Northeast.
Separately, the Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations unit is set to investigate the viral video. Police personnel reportedly visited Shokeen’s residence but did not find him there, according to reports published on October 22.
The investigation is expected to examine the video and related evidence before determining the appropriate next steps.
Renewed Concerns Over Discrimination Against Northeast Communities
The controversy has once again brought attention to the experiences of people from Northeast India who report facing racial stereotyping in other parts of the country.
Community representatives have argued that people from the region should not have to repeatedly defend their identity or face derogatory comments because of their appearance, ethnicity or place of origin.
The issue has particular significance for Tripura, which is home to diverse indigenous communities alongside other populations. Leaders have stressed that insults directed at an individual can also affect the wider community when they rely on racial or regional stereotypes.
The incident has also raised questions about accountability on social media. Viral content can reach large audiences within hours, while the people featured in such videos may face humiliation or unwanted public attention.
Investigation Expected to Determine Next Steps
With complaints filed and police coordination under way, attention has now shifted to the investigation. Authorities will need to assess the available evidence, establish the circumstances of the recording and determine whether any legal provisions apply.
For the Tripura government, the matter is also a test of its response to concerns raised by residents about racial discrimination beyond the state.
Saha’s direction to the state DGP signals that the government wants the matter addressed in coordination with Delhi Police. Meanwhile, demands for accountability continue to grow.
The controversy underlines a broader point: claims of humour or scripted entertainment do not automatically remove the harm that racial stereotypes can cause. A fair investigation, based on evidence and due process, will be important in determining responsibility and addressing the concerns raised by the incident.