The mortal remains of Manipuri guitarist Chongtham Vikram Singh were flown to Imphal on Wednesday, where a large gathering of family, friends, well‑wishers and music professionals assembled at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport to receive the body.
Vikram Singh, 54, was reported to have died in Delhi on September 7 after an alleged assault by a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff outside his apartment in Kilokari village. The confrontation reportedly began when he objected to the noise made by the group. Several mourners broke down as the body arrived.
Following the arrival, the musician’s brother Chongtham Vivek expressed profound grief, describing the loss as a blow to both his family and the wider music community. He demanded strict punishment for those responsible and urged authorities to complete the investigation and legal proceedings swiftly.
Renowned singer Sadananda Hamom also called for capital punishment for the accused and highlighted the incident as evidence of racial discrimination against Northeastern people in Delhi. The incident prompted condemnation from organisations such as the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, Manipur International Youth Centre and the North East India Support Centre and Helpline, all of whom urged a thorough investigation into any racial motive.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh wrote to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging an expedited high‑level probe and, if necessary, transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation to restore public confidence. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju assured that the Delhi Police would file a strong chargesheet within two weeks and reiterated that the safety and dignity of Northeastern people and all Indians are non‑negotiable.
