Family, mourners and fellow musicians demand swift action after the 54-year-old’s alleged assault and death in Delhi
Imphal: The mortal remains of renowned Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh, who died following an alleged assault in Delhi on September 7, were brought to Imphal on Wednesday, where family members, friends and well-wishers gathered at Imphal International Airport.
Vikram, 54, was allegedly assaulted by delivery workers and dhaba staff outside his residence in Kilokari. Delhi Police have arrested seven men and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the case.
His brother Chongtham Vivek called the death a loss to the family, Manipur and the wider music fraternity, and demanded swift investigation and strict punishment for those responsible.
Renowned Manipuri singer Sadananda Hamom, who attended the tribute ceremony, described Vikram as “very loveable and down-to-earth” and called for stringent action, including capital punishment. He also raised concerns over racial discrimination against people from the Northeast.
Vikram’s mother, veteran singer and former All India Radio announcer Chongtham Ongbi Kamala, 86, said she had often read about violence against Northeastern people but never imagined her son would become a victim. She said she had no political demands and would accept the investigation’s findings.
Rajya Sabha MP Sarda Devi also visited the grieving family on September 8. Vikram’s last rites will be performed at his residence in Thangmeiband Lourungpurel, Imphal West.
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