Fourteen civil society organisations and community bodies have expressed grief and strongly condemned the killing of Manipuri guitarist Chongtham Vikram in South Delhi, describing the incident as another disturbing case of violence allegedly targeting people from the Northeast in mainland India.
The organisations, including 14 CSOs, Kangleipak; Kabui Union Manipur; Manipur Meitei Tribal Union (MMTU); AMMOCOC; Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation Manipur; Meitei Leepun; KOM Union Manipur; Mao Union Imphal; Indigenous Peoples’ Forum Manipur; Manipur Naga Youth Organization (MNYO); Thoudou Inpi Manipur and Manipur IMA IDP, said they were deeply saddened by Vikram’s death.
According to the statement, Vikram was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths in South Delhi during the early hours of September 6 and succumbed to his injuries.
The organisations condemned the incident in the strongest terms and said repeated instances of violence and discrimination against people from the Northeast in mainland India cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents.
They urged the Manipur government to take up the matter with the Central government and seek effective measures to ensure the safety of Manipuris living outside the state.
They also called for stronger action against racial discrimination and attacks targeting people from the Northeast and urged authorities to ensure justice in Vikram’s case.
The organisations conveyed their condolences to Vikram’s family and shared their grief with the bereaved family.
