Shillong, Sept 09: The North East Students’ organization (NESo) expresses strong condemnation and profound anguish over the brutal killing of Chongtham Vikram Singh, a 55-year-old Manipuri musician, who succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted by a group of men outside his residence in Kilokari, Southeast Delhi.
NESO is deeply disturbed that a simple act of raising an objection to disturbance outside one’s own home could allegedly result in such a horrific and irreversible loss of life. They demand that the authorities conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation and ensure that all the perpetrators are prosecuted and given the exemplary punishment prescribed by law. Justice must not be delayed, diluted or denied.
The killing of Chongtham Vikram Singh cannot be overlooked against the disturbing backdrop of the continuous harassment, racial discrimination, stereotyping, intimidation and violence faced by people from the Northeast in different parts of mainland lndia.
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.
These incidents cannot continue to be dismissed as isolated or ordinary disputes. When people from the Northeast are repeatedly made to feel unsafe or unwelcome in different parts of the country, it raises serious questions about their security, dignity and equal treatment as citizens of lndia NESO therefore calls upon the concerned authorities to take this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency.
The investigation must be transparent, and no individual responsible for the crime should be allowed to evade accountability. The law must be applied firmly and equally, irrespective of the identity or background of the perpetrators.
At the same time, NESO urges the Government and law-enforcement agencies to recognise and address the broader problem of racial discrimination and violence against people from the Northeast. Preventive measures, effective enforcement of the law, sensitisation of police and public institutions, and mechanisms for ensuring the safety and dignity of Northeastern citizens must be strengthened.
The loss of Chongtham Vikram Singh is not merely a personal tragedy for his family and loved ones, it is a matter of deep concern for the entire Northeastern community. No person should have to fear for their life simply because they assert their basic right to safety and peace in their own home.
NESO stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the people of Manipur during this moment of profound grief. We demand justice for Chengtham Vikram Singh and accountability for every person responsible for his death, said Mr. Samuel Jyrwa Chairman NESO and Mutsikhoyo Yhobu Secretary General NESO in the press statement innued to media houses today.
