Manipur musician’s murder revives fears of racism, harassment among northeast residents in Delhi’s Kilokari
A Manipuri musician was beaten to death in Delhi, reigniting fears of racism and harassment among residents from India's northeastern states living in the city. The community reports long-standing issues of racial slurs and stereotyping, leading to feelings of being outsiders and increased caution after the murder.
Why it matters
This incident highlights persistent racial discrimination and violence faced by specific communities within India, raising concerns about social integration, safety, and the need for addressing systemic prejudice.
Two weeks after 54-year-old Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh was beaten to death in Kilokari village in southeast Delhi on September 6, residents from the northeastern States say years of racial slurs, harassment, stereotyping and attacks have left them feeling like outsiders despite having built their lives in the neighbourhood.
For Chandam Miroda Devi, 38, who lives directly below Singh’s house, the sounds of the assault continue to haunt her.
Around 4 a.m., Ms. Devi received a call from the community president asking whether she knew about an assault in the house above. By 6.32 a.m., Singh had died at Holy Family Hospital, about three kilometres away.
“I am unable to sleep. The sounds of that night keep rewinding in my head. I fear someone is knocking at my door. They came to his house and assaulted him, causing his death. How safe are we?” she said.
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