‘Don't respond with anger or hatred’: Rahul Gandhi makes an appeal at slain Manipuri musician's memorial gathering
Gandhi condemned the killing as an act of "violence, hatred, and arrogance," suggesting the musician was attacked because of where he was from
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has decried the murder of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh as a tragedy born from "violence, hatred and arrogance," asserting that the victim was targeted because of his origin, representing a broader sorrow for Manipur. Gandhi counselled against reacting to such brutality with reciprocal anger or animosity, instead advocating for constructive self-expression and the defense of one's principles. The musician's demise in Delhi, following a dispute over noise, has led to multiple arrests, while the Chief Minister of Manipur has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has decried the murder of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh as a tragedy born from "violence, hatred and arrogance," asserting that the victim was targeted because of his origin, representing a broader sorrow for Manipur. Gandhi counselled against reacting to such brutality with reciprocal anger or animosity, instead advocating for constructive self-expression and the defense of one's principles. The musician's demise in Delhi, following a dispute over noise, has led to multiple arrests, while the Chief Minister of Manipur has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has decried the murder of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh as a tragedy born from "violence, hatred and arrogance," asserting that the victim was targeted because of his origin, representing a broader sorrow for Manipur. Gandhi counselled against reacting to such brutality with reciprocal anger or animosity, instead advocating for constructive self-expression and the defense of one's principles. The musician's demise in Delhi, following a dispute over noise, has led to multiple arrests, while the Chief Minister of Manipur has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi described the killing of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh as a tragedy, saying the incident involved "violence, hatred and arrogance" and that the musician was attacked because of where he came from.
Speaking at a tribute event held in memory of Chongtham, Gandhi said the killing was also a tragedy for the people of Manipur.
"It's a tragedy that a young man has been murdered. It's also a tragedy that he was attacked because of where he was from. It's a tragedy for the people of Manipur. Of course, it's not the only tragedy that the people of Manipur have been facing," Gandhi said.
The Congress leader said the incident reflected a disturbing belief that those who wield power could resort to violence.
"Whether he was killed or was not killed, there was violence in this act. There was violence, there was hatred, and there was arrogance," Gandhi said.
"And it is something that has become a fashion these days, that if you are powerful, you can be violent," he added.
Gandhi also urged people not to respond to such incidents with anger or hatred, arguing that doing so would amount to repeating the same behaviour.
"You don't respond with anger, you don't respond with hatred, because then you are doing exactly what was done to Vicky," he said.
Instead, Gandhi called for people to respond by expressing themselves, standing up for their ideas and showcasing their talent.
He praised the manner in which those attending the event had responded, saying they were sending a message that "we are not going to accept this nonsense".
The 54-year-old musician was allegedly beaten to death after he objected to noise from a dhaba outside his home in Delhi's Kilokari area on Tuesday.
Police have arrested seven men and detained a juvenile in connection with the case.
Chongtham had lived in Kilokari for more than two decades. A well-known musician and guitarist, he was the lead guitarist of the Manipur rock band Phoenix in the early 1980s and later worked as a music teacher and performer in Delhi.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh visited Chongtham's residence at Thangmeiband in Imphal West district on Thursday and assured his family that those responsible for his death would be brought to book.
The chief minister expressed "profound sorrow" over the killing and described Chongtham as an "innocent person who had done no wrong". He also assured the musician's parents, wife and son of all possible assistance and support from the government.