‘Always kind, never argued’: Colleagues on Manipur musician killed in Delhi

Chongtham Vikram Singh, a musician hailing from Manipur, was killed in Delhi after protesting against a group making noise outside his residence. He was 54 and had built a significant musical career, ranging from early rock scenes to mentoring young musicians in the capital. Born to a family of musicians, Singh learned the electric guitar and found success in the local rock music scene.

He was an accomplished guitarist, remembered for his kindness and helpfulness by those who worked with him. His colleagues, including Sachidananda Angom and Mame Khan, described him as someone who "never had arguments with anyone" and brought life to any room he entered. Singh moved to Delhi in the 1990s, where he began teaching electric guitar and continued to play with various musicians, including Khan, who was a popular folk rock band member.

Upon news of Singh's death, a candlelight vigil was held at Kangla fort in Imphal, and his former colleagues and community members expressed their shock and grief over the senseless violence. The Manipur Chief Minister requested a fair probe and enhanced security measures in Delhi's student and working professional neighborhoods with significant populations from Manipur and other northeastern states.