Imphal: The mortal remains of renowned Manipur musician Chongtham Vikram Singh arrived at Imphal Airport on Wednesday, with family members, friends and well-wishers gathering to receive the body and bid him a final farewell.
Singh, who was allegedly assaulted in New Delhi and later succumbed to his injuries, was brought to his Thangmeiband residence after the family received his remains at the airport. Floral tributes were offered before the body was taken for the final rites.
His death has triggered widespread grief and outrage in Manipur, with calls for justice and strict action against those responsible.
According to reports, Singh was physically assaulted in the early hours of Monday after confronting a group of men allegedly shouting and consuming alcohol outside his apartment in New Delhi.
Speaking to the media at Imphal Airport, Singh’s younger brother, Chongtham Vivek Singh, said the family was seeking justice and urged the Centre to ensure the safety and equal treatment of people from the Northeast living in the national capital.
“All we seek is justice for my brother. We urge the Government of India to ensure that people from the Northeast residing in the national capital are treated equally, just like all other fellow Indians,” he said.
Actor and musician Sadananda Hamom described Vikram as a “very down to earth person” and termed his death following the alleged assault deeply unfortunate.
Hamom called for strict action against those responsible and said any form of racial discrimination against people from the Northeast must be stopped.
He also urged authorities to create greater awareness about the Northeast, its geography and its diverse cultures.
“The Northeast is also an integral part of our country and we all are very much Indian,” he said.
Also Read: From Vikram to classrooms: Why we still don’t learn about the Northeast