Manipur musician Chongtham Vikram laid to rest in Imphal

IMPHAL — The last rites of Manipur musician Chongtham Vikram, who succumbed to injuries following an alleged assault in Delhi on September 7, were performed at his birthplace, Thangmeiband in Imphal, on Wednesday.

Earlier, several mourners broke down as his mortal remains were received by family members, friends and well-wishers at Imphal International Airport around noon.

Receiving the body, Vikram’s younger brother, Chongtham Vivek, said the incident had caused profound grief to the family and people across the region.

He urged the authorities to complete the investigation and take necessary legal action against those responsible.

Well-known Manipuri singer and actor Sadananda Hamom, who attended the tribute ceremony at Imphal International Airport, demanded strict punishment for those responsible for Vikram’s alleged killing in Delhi.

Vikram, 55, was allegedly assaulted by a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff after he objected to noise and nuisance near his residence in Kilokri, in Delhi’s Ashram area, during the intervening night of September 6 and 7. He later succumbed to his injuries.

According to reports, Delhi Police have arrested seven people in connection with the incident and taken a minor into custody.

Vikram was the lead guitarist of Manipur’s legendary rock band Phoenix during the late 1980s and 1990s. He began his music career as the lead guitarist of Ultra Vires before joining Phoenix. After his stint with Phoenix, he joined another popular band, Eastern Dark.

He later moved to New Delhi, where he continued his career as a music teacher. He is survived by his wife and son.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, Manipur International Youth Centre, People’s Progressive Alliance Manipur, Karwan-e-Mohabbat, North East India Support Centre and Helpline, and Human Rights Alert joined others in condemning the incident.