132 days after his death, Manipur MLA Vungzagin Valte laid to rest

Chief Minister says failure to prevent 2023 mob attack remains his “biggest regret”.

IMPHAL, July 5: Former Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte, who never recovered from the brutal mob attack he suffered during the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023, was laid to rest on Saturday—132 days after his death.

Valte, who died in February this year after battling life-threatening injuries for nearly two years, was buried at the New Lamka YPA Cemetery in Churachandpur following full honours, including a guard of honour and gun salute by personnel of the 1st India Reserve Battalion.

The funeral drew thousands of mourners and was attended by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, marking his first visit to the Kuki-majority district in a long time.

A shutdown observed across Churachandpur brought normal life to a standstill, with shops remaining closed and vehicles off the roads, except those providing emergency services.

The Chief Minister, who flew to Churachandpur by helicopter after reports that women protesters had gathered along the Tedim Road to block his proposed road journey, paid floral tributes to the late BJP legislator before attending the funeral service.

Addressing the media, Khemchand said restoring peace remained the state’s foremost priority.

“To restore peace is the only way for all of us,” he said.

Speaking at the funeral, the Chief Minister described his inability to prevent the May 4, 2023 attack on Valte as “the biggest regret” of his life.

Recalling the day violence erupted, Khemchand said all MLAs had met to discuss ways to contain the deteriorating situation before dispersing.

“The most regrettable thing for me is that if I had remained there with him, the incident might not have happened,” he said, remembering Valte as one of his closest colleagues in the Assembly.

Valte was attacked by a mob at Nagamapal in Imphal while returning from the meeting. He suffered severe head injuries and underwent prolonged treatment in New Delhi before returning to Churachandpur in April 2025. He died in February this year without recovering from his injuries.

Saturday’s funeral included floral tributes from government officials, tribal leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public, along with traditional honours and Christian burial rites.

Valte’s death has remained one of the most enduring symbols of the violence that has gripped Manipur since May 2023.

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