Guwahati: AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam slammed the murder of 54-year-old musician C. Vikram Singh on Tuesday, September 8. Singh, a native of Manipur, died following a violent incident in Delhi. The killing sparked fresh alarm for people from the Northeast living across India.
Islam, who serves as the AIUDF general secretary, highlighted a pattern of violence against Northeastern citizens. He pointed to repeated attacks occurring in various states. "Such incidents involving people from the Northeast occur in various parts of the country. It is unfortunate. There have been many such incidents in the past as well," Islam said.
The legislator demanded immediate federal intervention. He called on the Ministry of Home Affairs and the central government to track down the killers. "The Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs should take this seriously, arrest the accused, and ensure they receive the strictest possible punishment," he stated. The MLA expects swift action to address the recurring security threats facing the community.
Updated at 8th September 2026 at 10:15pm
Delhi Police have moved fast, arresting seven men and apprehending one juvenile for the killing. The fight broke out late Sunday night in Kilokari village after Singh asked a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff to keep the noise down. The dispute turned lethal when the group assaulted him, leaving the veteran musician with fatal injuries.
Assam Congress leaders Debabrata Saikia and Gaurav Gogoi have joined the chorus of condemnation, questioning the safety of Northeasterners in the capital. Saikia labeled the attack a byproduct of systemic racism and challenged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to fix the security failures of the Delhi Police. Singh was a pillar of the Manipur rock scene, known for his work with bands like Ultra Vires, Phoenix, and Eastern Dark.
Musician Joi Baruah slammed the killing as plain blooded murder, calling the incident a national shame. Speaking during a tribute to Bhupen Hazarika, Baruah lamented that India celebrates its cultural icons while failing to keep them alive. He demanded the harshest legal penalties for those responsible to ensure the capital stops treating its Northeastern residents like second class citizens.
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