Manipur’s music community was shocked after Heikrujam Kendy, vocalist of the indie rock band The Dirty Strikes, was brutally attacked by a group of masked miscreants in what appeared to be an attempted murder, late last night after the Imphal Indie Festival, 2nd Edition at Wahyum Eco Resort, Taorem.
Speaking with visible injuries—his face bruised, swollen, and marked with black-and-blue wounds—Kendy addressed the media today at the Manipur Press Club and recounted the incident.
He said around nine unidentified attackers, their faces covered, assaulted him with knives or sharp weapons, deliberately targeting his head and face.
“Our concerts, our stages, our festivals were the only places where we felt safe,” Kendy said. “That safe heaven is no longer safe anymore.”
According to Kendy, the attack occurred shortly after his band’s performance, when he and his accompanying members stepped out of the green room to receive some friends.
A few individuals approached them requesting photographs, but within moments, the situation turned violent. The attackers struck suddenly and relentlessly, leaving little chance to react.
His mate attempted to shield Kendy but was overwhelmed. The accompanying members raised an alarm, shouting for help, which forced the attackers to flee. Many people were present near the festival entrance and witnessed the incident. Some tried to chase the assailants, but they managed to escape, indicating that the attack was premeditated and carefully executed.
“This was not random,” Kendy said. “They knew where I would be. They knew when to strike.”
A formal complaint has been lodged at Sagolmang Police Station, and police have initiated an investigation.
At the Manipur Press Club, Kendy was accompanied by fellow musicians and artists who stood beside him holding placards in solidarity, condemning the violence and demanding accountability. The gathering reflected a collective fear and anguish shared by the artistic community.
