Kolkata: In a rare gesture of solidarity transcending Manipur’s deep ethnic divide, Kuki-Zo vocalist Lien Gangte paid tribute to gifted Meitei guitarist Chongtham Vikram Singh, the slain son of the state’s ‘Nightingale’ Chongtham Ongbi Kamala Devi, in New Delhi.Many believed this noble act by Lien would not only help Vikram’s family but also assuage the people of Manipur scarred by the Kuki-Meitei conflict.Talking to TOI from Delhi, Lien said, “Vikram is like my younger brother. We had performed together so many times, which brought limelight to Manipur in the field of music.“I feel so sad but happy at the same to pay tribute to my younger brother by singing ‘Living on a Prayer’ and ‘Diamonds and Rust’ to a jam-packed audience at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre located on Janpath, New Delhi,” Lien said on Friday, a day after singing the tribute songs.The popular singer further said he wanted to appeal to both Delhi and Manipur govts to provide compensation, like a job, to Vikram’s son Yaifaba, so that the family can survive as their sole breadwinner has been brutally murdered.“Since Vikram was murdered in Delhi and his son was brought up in the national capital, the Delhi govt can consider my appeal,” he said.Lien also appealed to the Delhi govt to provide security in areas of Delhi where northeastern people reside, as they are often targeted.Nongmaithem Paras, a drummer from Manipur who was with a band, Phoenix, together with Vikram earlier, told TOI over the phone from Imphal, “We (rock bands and musicians) in the state will approach the state govt and chief minister Yumnam Khemchand with an appeal to protect Manipuris and northeasterners living in Delhi. We will also seek compensation for the widow of Vikram and his son.”He added, “Moreover, we will plan to hold tribute concerts in Manipur and Delhi so that people in the national capital can at least try and understand us better.”Lien agreed and said he would extend whatever help he could for the betterment of Manipur and its people, particularly his musician fraternity.“Music is a universal language and is a binding factor,” he added.
