Manipuri guitarist and music educator Vikram Chongtham Singh.
Veteran Manipuri artist and music educator Vikram Chongtham Singh passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, after he was reportedly attacked by several people in New Delhi on Sunday evening. The New Delhi-based artist has been remembered by musicians and groups across the North East, demanding justice for what is being described as a disproportionate and possibly racially motivated attack.
Seven people were arrested by the southeast Delhi police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vineet Kumar told the media, “I along with other senior officers met the family and other community members and assured that prompt and legal action will be taken. All the seven accused have been arrested and the minor has been detained. Further investigation is on.”
In his statement, the DCP added, “Vikram Singh had an argument with some people in his lane due to loud noise. Following the arguments, a physical altercation ensued between them, resulting in his injuries. His family took him to the hospital where he died.”
Indian Express reports that Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital in Okhla for treatment, where he died on Monday morning. The hospital certificate listed the cause of death as hemorrhagic shock caused by blunt trauma.
Singh was born to a father who worked in a veterinary service, and his mother, Chongtham Ongbi Kamala Devi, is an accomplished Manipuri singer. Residing in Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai in Imphal West, he was a member of the rock band Phoenix in the early 1980s, but started out with the rock band Ultra Vires straight out of school. In the nineties, he was a member of the rock band Eastern Dark, which released albums with songs in Meiteilon and English, including The monkey is lying (1997) and Kangdrum (Monkey Truth) (2001). The group often addressed socio-political issues through their music. Since 2010, Singh has played guitar in the jazz group Fubar Ghetto in New Delhi and also taught music.
As a guitarist, Singh enjoyed the playing of guitar greats such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, John Scofield and others, and also counted Jaco Pastorius and Herbie Hancock as his inspirations as they played around the capital. The guitarist also participated in the Rock’n’Roots project of Rajasthan folk artist Mame Khan, performing at some concerts.
While Singh’s tragic death has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for strict punishment across the country, others have also paid tribute to his artistry.
Imphal Talkies and The Howlers founder and singer-songwriter Akhu Chingangbam wrote on Facebook: “Shocking to know that Thamo Vikram Chongtham is no longer with us. He was attacked by some goons last night. Hope justice is served soon. Thamo is one of the best guitarists I have ever come across. It would be difficult to fill the void he left behind. Rest in peace Thamo.”
Activist and childhood friend of Singh’s, Haobam Nanao, said in one of several Facebook posts: “I still remember Vikram Chongtham telling me, with the infectious enthusiasm we had for music back then, ‘Bhai, I listened to Eric Clapton’s ‘Lay Down Sally’ last night and it was just incredible. I could learn so many lessons from it. I could see that he played a damn cool genre in it.”
He shared another video of Singh improvising on the guitar and said, “Music defined you in a way words never could. It was your language, your madness, your joy and perhaps the most beautiful part of who you were.”