Imphal, Sept 9: Two days after succumbing to injuries sustained in an alleged assault in New Delhi, Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh’s mortal remains were brought to Imphal on Wednesday, drawing a large gathering at Imphal International Airport. They were taken to his residence at Thangmeib and in Imphal West, where relatives, friends, artists, musicians and members of the Manipur film fraternity paid their final respects, before his last rites were performed at Khoyathong in Imphal East.

After the funeral, Singh’s younger brother, Chongtham Vivek, told the press that the family is awaiting justice but would respect the ongoing investigation into the alleged assault. “We respect the due course of investigation.

However, the family is waiting for justice. Neither do we want to politicise the matter.

Let this be the last such incident,” Vivek said. His appeal came amid widespread grief over Singh’s death and growing concern over the safety and treatment of people from the Northeast in other parts of the country.

Popular Manipuri singer H. Sadananda, while paying tribute to Singh, demanded stringent action against those responsible.

“We can never forget how he died. People respect us only when we win medals for the country.

People from the Northeast need to be united,” Sadananda said. Artists, musicians and members of the State’s film fraternity also gathered at Singh’s residence to offer floral tributes and stand with his grieving family.

Singh, 54, was a prominent figure in Manipur’s rock music movement and had been associated with bands including Phoenix and Eastern Dark. He later moved to Delhi, where he worked as a music teacher.

His death has resonated particularly strongly within Manipur’s artist community, where colleagues have remembered him not only as a musician but also for his contribution to the growth of the State’s contemporary music culture. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police investigation into the case is continuing.

Seven persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged assault, while a minor has also been apprehended.