IMPHAL: The last rites of musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh were performed in Imphal on Wednesday after his mortal remains were flown in from Delhi, drawing large numbers of artists, film fraternity members and residents to his neighbourhood and the airport.
Arrival, tributes and funeral
Relatives received the body at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in the afternoon before it was taken to the family residence in Thangmeiband, Imphal West. Musicians, artistes and well-wishers paid floral tributes at the house, and the final rites were carried out at Khoyathong in Imphal East later the same day.
The death has prompted visible grief across the local cultural community. Tributes described Singh as a pioneering figure in Manipur's rock music movement, noting his association with bands including Phoenix and Eastern Dark, and his long service as a teacher of music after moving to Delhi roughly two decades ago.
Family response and calls for restraint
The family said it would co-operate with investigators and did not want the matter to be politicised. Chongtham Vivek, identified as the younger brother of the deceased, urged calm while emphasising the family's desire for justice.
“Let this be the last such incident. We will respect the due course of the investigation. However, we seek justice. Moreover, we do not want to politicise the matter,” said Vivek.
The musician is survived by his wife and a son aged 20, the family confirmed.
Police action and wider concerns
Delhi Police have arrested eight persons in connection with an assault outside Singh's South Delhi residence that left him fatally injured late on Sunday night, according to official reports. Authorities in Manipur and community leaders in Imphal have voiced concern about the safety and treatment of people from the Northeast when they travel or work in other parts of the country.
Local cultural organisations and colleagues have urged authorities to ensure a transparent probe and a speedy legal process, while several groups in Imphal held informal vigils and gatherings to mark the musician's contribution to the state's music scene.
Background: a career in music
Singh was recognised locally as one of the early proponents of rock music in Manipur and was active in the state’s music circuit for decades. After relocating to Delhi nearly 20 years ago, he worked as a music teacher while maintaining ties with the artistic community in Imphal.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of incident | Outside his South Delhi home (assault reported late Sunday night) |
| Arrests | Eight persons have been detained by Delhi Police (as reported) |
| Body returned to Imphal | Arrived at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport; taken to Thangmeiband |
| Final rites | Performed at Khoyathong, Imphal East |
Community reaction and implications
Local artistes and film fraternity members who gathered at the musician's residence called for both a thorough investigation and protection for migrants from the Northeast. The incident has reignited longstanding anxieties in the region about personal security and discrimination faced by Northeastern people living outside the region.
Organisers of cultural events in Imphal said they would hold commemorative sessions in the coming days to honour his legacy and to call attention to the safety of artistes who travel for work. Community leaders appealed to state and central authorities to monitor the investigation closely and to communicate progress to the family and the public.
What authorities say
Delhi Police have publicly acknowledged the arrests and said investigations are ongoing; the family has indicated it will await the formal outcome and keep political actors out of the matter. No further details on charges or the identities of the arrested individuals have been released in the public reports available so far.
- Survivors: wife and 20-year-old son.
- Associations: Phoenix, Eastern Dark; long-time music teacher in Delhi.
- Official action: eight arrests reported by police.
The funeral and the community response underline the prominence of the musician in Manipur's cultural life and the anxieties his death has triggered about the safety of Northeastern citizens outside the region. The family’s request to let the investigation proceed without politicisation remains central to local calls for calm while authorities pursue legal proceedings.
