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Slain musician was peaceable, says widow; activist demands life term

The wife of Chongtham Vikram Singh described her husband as a peace-loving musician who lived quietly, as activist Binalakshmi Nepram called for the maximum penalty against those accused in his death. The case has reignited concerns about violence and the state's responsibility to foster respect for human life.

LSN India · 8 September 2026

Slain musician was peaceable, says widow; activist demands life term

Chongtham Vikram Singh, a musician from Manipur, was a man devoted to peaceful pursuits and community harmony, according to his widow's account of the slain artist. Her testimony has emerged during proceedings related to his death, offering a portrait of an individual whose life was centered on music and quiet reflection rather than conflict.

Activist and civil society leader Binalakshmi Nepram has intervened in the matter, seeking the severest judicial sentence for those accused in connection with Singh's killing. Nepram has underscored that the case reflects broader systemic failures in maintaining public order and safety in the region.

Beyond the immediate legal proceedings, Nepram has called upon the state to take greater responsibility in promoting values of human dignity and mutual respect among the population. She emphasized that education and public awareness initiatives are essential to foster a culture where communities value and protect one another's lives rather than resort to violence.

The case has drawn attention from civil society groups across the region, highlighting ongoing concerns about criminal violence and the capacity of law enforcement to address such incidents. Singh's death represents a significant loss to the cultural community in Manipur, where musicians and artists often serve as cultural ambassadors.