Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh traveled to Churachandpur by helicopter on Saturday, July 4. He attended the funeral of former Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte. This visit marks the first time the Chief Minister has stepped into the district since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. Security remained heavy throughout the area. Protests occurred despite the solemn occasion.
Valte, a three-time legislator, died after battling injuries from a 2023 mob attack in Imphal. He had been under treatment for over two years before his passing. The funeral at Dorcas Veng was delayed for months while civil society groups demanded accountability for the attack.
The Chief Minister addressed the mourners. He recalled his long friendship with the late politician. He stood at the site and reflected on the day of the assault. The two had met to discuss the spreading chaos just before the violence turned toward Valte. "My deepest regret is that on that particular afternoon, if I were with him, that incident would not have taken place," he said.
Khemchand Singh, accompanied by MLA Tongbram Robindro, arrived amid opposition from some Kuki-Zomi community groups. They had called for a boycott. The Chief Minister made the trip a quick one. He had to return to Imphal for a scheduled virtual meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Tribal leaders, government officials, and supporters gathered at the YPA New Lamka Cemetery. They paid floral tributes to the late leader. The Chief Minister promised continued support for Valte’s family. He spoke to the media about the path forward. He insisted that dialogue is the only way to restore lasting peace in the state. The burial concluded after the tributes.
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