Heigrujam Kennedy, lead vocalist of the Manipuri rock band “Dirty Strike,” was allegedly assaulted by a group of masked men shortly after his performance at the second edition of the Imphal Indie Festival held at Wayum Eco-Resort in Taorem on January 11, police sources said.
According to reports, the 38-year-old vocalist was called out of the green room by four to seven unidentified masked persons on the pretext of taking photographs together. Once outside, he was allegedly attacked with a deadly weapon. The assailants reportedly fled the spot after another band member, Kennyson Laitongbam, raised an alarm.
The incident is stated to have occurred between 9 pm and 9.30 pm. Kennedy survived the attack and later addressed the media at the Manipur Press Club, expressing fear over the safety of artists even at performance venues in the state. “I am scared. We artists are not safe even in our own land and at our performance sites,” he said.
Supporters of the singer accompanied him to the press meet, holding placards and demanding justice. A complaint in connection with the incident has been lodged with the Officer-in-Charge of Heingang Police Station. Police said an investigation has been taken up to identify and apprehend those involved.