Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday visited the family of local musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram at their residence in Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai, Imphal West.
The Chief Minister offered his condolences and assured the family that the government would ensure those responsible for Vikram’s death are brought to justice.
Accompanied by Thangmeiband MLA Khumukcham Joykisan Singh, the Chief Minister met Vikram’s parents, wife and son. According to an official press release, Singh expressed sorrow over the incident and assured the family of all possible administrative assistance and support.
After the visit, Singh posted on Facebook: “Visited the residence of late Chongtham Vikram Singh at Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai, Imphal, who tragically passed away in New Delhi. I shared the grief and pain with the bereaved family members and conveyed my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased and prayed for strength to bear this irreparable loss. I assured the family that the Government stands firmly with them and will ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest.”
The visit came after the Chief Minister wrote to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on September 8, seeking a fair, time-bound and high-level investigation into the case. He urged Delhi authorities to ensure the immediate apprehension and prosecution of those responsible and any conspirators.
Singh also called for increased security in Delhi localities with significant populations of students and working professionals from Manipur and other northeastern states.
Chongtham Vikram, a guitarist and music teacher, died from injuries sustained in an assault at his rented residence in Kilokri, New Delhi. He is survived by his wife and a young son.
Vikram’s mortal remains arrived in Imphal on Wednesday. Family members, local residents and people from the regional music fraternity gathered to receive his body and pay their final respects.
The incident has led to outrage and concern among communities in the Northeast and the cultural sector.
The local community and music fraternity have called for a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident.