Leader of Opposition asserts, ‘We will not be cowed down by violence’, and says Vikram Singh’s death a tragedy as he was attacked for being from Manipur

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi on September 10, 2026, described the killing of Manipuri youth and musician Chongtham Vikram Singh as a “tragedy on many accounts” and said that the incident reflected a larger problem of violence, hatred and arrogance that has become increasingly prevalent in the country.

Speaking at a memorial gathering held in Singh’s memory at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Shri Rahul Gandhi said that the musician was “murdered” and attacked because of where he came from, calling the incident a tragedy not only for his family but also for the people of Manipur.

“It is a tragedy that an amazing talent has been taken away from us,” Shri Rahul Gandhi said, stressing that Singh’s death would have a lasting impact on his family. He said that Singh’s son would never see his father again and his parents would never see their son again. He said that the circumstances surrounding the incident should not obscure the larger issue of violence and hatred. “It really doesn’t matter whether it is a mistake or not a mistake, whether he was killed or not killed. There was violence, there was hatred and there was arrogance,” he noted.

“This is something that has become fashion. If you are powerful, you can be violent. If you are powerful, somehow you can be arrogant, somehow you can do whatever you feel like doing,” Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said.

He, however, cautioned against responding to violence with more violence or anger. He said that the appropriate response was to stand firmly for one’s principles and demonstrate that intimidation would not force people to retreat. “Of course, we don’t believe in fighting violence with violence, although that is the easy thing to do. Don’t respond with anger or with hatred,” he said. He said, “We are not going to be pushed aside by this violence or frightened by this violence. You are going to stand against this violence. That, to me, is the best answer.” Describing Singh as a great symbol, Shri Rahul Gandhi said that the deceased musician represented a life well-lived, as well as love, affection and talent.

“In politics and in life, symbols are very important. He is a symbol of life that was well-lived; a symbol of love, affection… a talented person, a gentle person, a father, a son… and we are extremely proud of him,” he said.

“We expect justice and we will get justice. And we will not be cowed down or scared of violence,” he said.

He said that the memorial gathering was significant because Singh’s death should not be seen as an isolated incident.

“We did this function today because this is not a single incident. This happens now all the time,” Shri Rahul Gandhi said, adding that such incidents are happening frequently.

“Sometimes it doesn’t end in murder. Sometimes it is just an insult, a threat. Sometimes it is just violence. But it is happening too much in our country, to our brothers and sisters from our Northeast, to many-many communities of this country,” he said.

Shri Rahul Gandhi offered his condolences and expressed solidarity with Singh’s family and all those affected by the incident. “I offer my condolences and love to everybody who has been hurt by this,” he said.