LONDON, 12 Sep: The North East Indians in United Kingdom (NEIUK) expressed profound shock and strongest condemnation over the brutal killing of renowned Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in New Delhi recently.
The NEIUK urged the Delhi Police and all authorities concerned to conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation into Singh's death, identify and apprehend all those responsible, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice at the earliest opportunity.
"We call for due process and the full force of the law to be applied to anyone found responsible for this heinous crime," the organisation said.
"Vikram's tragic death has once again brought into sharp focus the longstanding concerns about the safety, harassment and discrimination faced by people from Northeast India in other parts of the country, particularly in major cities such as New Delhi. Members of the Northeast Indian community have for many years reported experiences of racial discrimination, verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation and stereotyping because of their appearance, identity or place of origin. Such experiences can leave people feeling vulnerable and unsafe in places that should be their home just as much as anyone else's. India is a diverse nation, and people from the Northeast are an integral part of that diversity. No one should be subjected to harassment, discrimination or violence because of who they are or where in India they come from," the NEIUK said in a press statement.
The NEIUK also called upon the authorities concerned to strengthen measures to protect people from the Northeast living, working and studying across India, ensure that complaints of racial abuse, harassment and intimidation are properly recorded, investigated and acted upon, and develop stronger awareness and education initiatives to tackle prejudice and discrimination against people from the Northeast.
"The Northeast Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Vikram's family and with communities across Northeast India who are mourning this tragic loss. Vikram deserves justice. His family deserves answers. And the wider Northeast Indian community deserves to feel safe and protected wherever they live in India," the organisation said.
It extended condolences and solidarity to Vikram's family, friends and loved ones during this devastating time. "No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such horrific circumstances,"the NEIUK said.