Political Tensions Rise After Manipuri Musician's Death in Delhi
Tragic Incident Sparks Political Debate
Northeast community members hold a candlelight vigil in Delhi after the musician’s death. (Photo)
New Delhi, Sept 8: The tragic death of a Manipuri musician, allegedly following an assault in Delhi's Maharani Bagh, has ignited a fierce political debate. The central government has emphasized the need for prompt action against the perpetrators, while the Congress party has criticized the Narendra Modi administration regarding the safety of individuals from Manipur and the Northeast region.
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, stated on Tuesday that the Delhi Police has committed to filing a chargesheet in the case within the next eight to nine days.
Rijiju, who is closely overseeing the investigation, demanded the harshest penalties for those responsible for the death of 54-year-old Chongtham Vikram Singh.
“I have spoken with senior officers from the Delhi Police, including those focused on issues affecting the Northeast community. They assured me that the chargesheet will be ready soon,” Rijiju informed reporters, emphasizing that investigators would thoroughly pursue the case.
Singh, originally from Manipur and residing in Kilokari village for several years, succumbed to injuries after being allegedly attacked by a group of delivery personnel and dhaba workers early Sunday morning, following a dispute regarding noise disturbances outside his residence.
Authorities have detained seven individuals and apprehended a minor in connection with the incident. Rijiju noted that the suspects are from various states, including Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
Describing Singh's death as “deeply unfortunate,” the Union Minister praised the police for their swift action in apprehending the suspects after they attempted to flee. “The most severe punishment must be enforced,” he asserted.
Rijiju also mentioned that Delhi Police are in contact with Singh's family and arrangements are being made to transport his body back to Imphal on Wednesday.
While recognizing the anger and sorrow felt in the Northeast over Singh's death, Rijiju stated that this issue should resonate with all Indians. “The entire Northeast community is grieving because he was from Manipur. Ultimately, he is an Indian, and every Indian should care. Every life holds value,” he remarked.
In response, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a pointed critique of the Modi government, claiming that its “ineptitude” has left the people of Manipur at risk both within and outside their state.
Kharge characterized Singh's death as a “chilling reminder” of the lawlessness under the BJP regime, asserting that individuals from the Northeast continue to face discrimination and questioning the overall law-and-order situation in Delhi.
“Under Home Minister Amit Shah's oversight, Delhi has turned into a crime hub,” Kharge alleged in a social media statement, while demanding stringent action against those accountable.
“The incompetence of the Modi government has caused suffering for the people of Manipur, both in their state and beyond,” he added.
As the investigation unfolds, this incident has sparked widespread outrage and has become a new point of contention between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.