SHILLONG: The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has condemned the death of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh (55) in Delhi and demanded a time-bound, impartial probe into the incident.
Vikram Singh, who was residing in Kilokari, died after allegedly being assaulted by a group of men outside his house.
In a condemnation statement, NESO said it was anguished that asserting a basic right to peace inside one’s own home could lead to loss of life.
The apex students’ body, comprising eight major student unions of the Northeast, has sought swift action against all those involved and demanded that they be awarded exemplary punishment as per law.
NESO said the incident has to be seen in the larger context of racial discrimination and violence faced by people from the Northeast in mainland India.
It noted that students, professionals and residents from the region living outside have long complained of racial slurs, verbal abuse, physical assaults and social exclusion linked to their appearance and place of origin.
“These cannot be dismissed as isolated disputes. When Northeastern citizens feel unsafe or unwelcome in their own country, it raises serious concerns over their security, dignity and equality,” NESO said.
The organisation called on the Delhi Police and the central government to ensure a transparent investigation and to strengthen preventive and sensitisation measures to protect people from the Northeast.
NESO also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and the people of Manipur.
