London: North East Indians in UK (NEIUK) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Vikram Chongtham in New Delhi on September 7 and called for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued from London, NEIUK expressed shock over Vikram’s death and conveyed its deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. The organisation urged the Delhi Police and other concerned authorities to identify and apprehend all those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice through due legal process.

NEIUK said the incident has once again raised concerns over the safety, harassment and discrimination faced by people from the North East in other parts of the country, particularly in major cities such as New Delhi.

The organisation also referred to the recent death of 24-year-old Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, following a brutal assault in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It said the two incidents have caused widespread concern across the North East and highlighted the need to address issues of racial abuse, discrimination and violence.

“These incidents cannot simply be viewed in isolation,” NEIUK said, pointing to long-standing complaints of racial discrimination, verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation and stereotyping faced by people from the North East because of their appearance, identity or place of origin.

NEIUK called upon the Government of India, Delhi Government, Delhi Police and other authorities to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation into Vikram’s killing and take strong legal action against those found responsible.

It also urged the authorities to strengthen measures to protect people from the North East who live, work and study across India. The organisation called for complaints of racial abuse, harassment and intimidation to be properly recorded, investigated and acted upon.

NEIUK further stressed the need for stronger awareness and education programmes to tackle prejudice and discrimination against people from the North East.

The organisation said the North East Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Vikram’s family and communities across the region mourning his death.

“Vikram deserves justice. His family deserves answers. And the wider North East Indian community deserves to feel safe and protected wherever they live in India,” NEIUK said.