Chinky: Anti-Racism Anthem Resurfaces on Social Media Amid Fresh Reports of Discrimination Against Northeasterners

A powerful rap song titled "Chinky," which boldly confronts the racial slur commonly directed at people from India's Northeast, is gaining renewed traction online following recent incidents of discrimination in major cities.

Originally released in May 2025 by Meghalaya-based artist Sonu Baroi, the track features the vocals of Kunja Khwairakpam, a PhD student at North Eastern Hill University who maintains a low profile with little social media presence. The song, named after the derogatory term used to mock Mongoloid features, has struck a chord again as reports of harassment targeting Northeastern migrants surface across the country.

The music video showcases young women from all eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—dressed in traditional attire, lip-syncing to lyrics that reclaim the slur and highlight everyday racism. Lines like "Chinky is what they say; still we shine; still we fight" and "You see my eyes, but not my heart / India’s piece, don’t tear it apart" underscore the plea for recognition and respect.

Baroi, drawing from personal encounters with prejudice during his time in Punjab, aimed to celebrate the region's diverse cultures while exposing stereotypes. Women from the Northeast often bear the brunt of such abuse, facing not only slurs but also assumptions about their character.

The resurgence comes amid a spate of reported incidents, including a stabbing attack on a Tripura student in late December 2025, allegedly triggered by taunts like "Chinki" and "Chinese." Activists point to persistent marginalisation, with Northeasterners frequently treated as outsiders in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru despite contributing significantly to urban life through education and work.

Social media users are sharing the video widely, praising its "kadak" delivery and timely message, with many calling it a vital reminder of unity in diversity. The song's renewed popularity highlights ongoing calls for stronger measures against racial discrimination, echoing longstanding demands for awareness and legal protections.

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