Students’ body raises concerns over alleged racial discrimination and violence faced by people from the Northeast outside the region
Imphal: The North Eastern Students’ Organisation (NESO) on September 9 condemned the killing of 54-year-old Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in Southeast Delhi and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident.
Singh was allegedly beaten to death by a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff outside his apartment in Kilokari village early Monday after he objected to them shouting and consuming alcohol in the area.
NESO chairman Samuel B Jyrwa said it was deeply disturbing that Singh lost his life after objecting to a disturbance outside his home. He demanded a transparent investigation and exemplary punishment for those found responsible.
Jyrwa said the incident also highlighted concerns over harassment, racial discrimination, stereotyping and violence faced by people from the Northeast in different parts of mainland India.
“For years, Northeastern citizens living, studying and working outside the region have repeatedly reported being subjected to racial slurs, verbal abuse, physical attacks, social discrimination and other forms of humiliation because of their appearance, identity and place of origin,” he alleged.
NESO urged authorities to ensure that no perpetrator escapes accountability and called for stronger preventive measures, effective law enforcement and greater sensitisation of police and public institutions.
Jyrwa said Singh’s death was not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a matter of concern for the wider Northeastern community. NESO expressed solidarity with Singh’s family and the people of Manipur, demanding justice and accountability.
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