The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has condemned the alleged killing of 55-year-old Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh, who succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted by a group of men outside his residence in Kilokari, Southeast Delhi.
In a statement, NESO expressed “strong condemnation and profound anguish” over the incident and demanded a swift, impartial and thorough investigation, along with prosecution and exemplary punishment for all those responsible.
NESO said it was disturbed that an objection to a disturbance outside one’s home could allegedly result in the loss of life. It urged authorities to ensure that “justice must not be delayed, diluted or denied”.
The organisation said the incident must be viewed against the broader concerns of harassment, racial discrimination, stereotyping, intimidation and violence faced by people from the Northeast in different parts of mainland India.
NESO noted that Northeastern citizens have repeatedly reported racial slurs, verbal abuse, physical attacks and social discrimination based on their appearance, identity and place of origin.
It urged the government and law-enforcement agencies to strengthen preventive measures, legal enforcement and sensitisation of police and public institutions to ensure the safety and dignity of Northeastern citizens.
NESO also expressed solidarity with Singh’s family and the people of Manipur, calling for accountability for every person responsible for his death.