Vungzagin Valte Funeral Manipur Cm Churachandpur Visit First Since 2023 Conflict

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday visited Churachandpur district to attend the funeral of Zomi MLA Vungzagin Valte, marking the first chief ministerial visit to the Kuki-Zo majority area since the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities started in May 2023.

Valte was an advisor to former chief minister N Biren Singh when he was attacked in the state capital on May 4, 2023, a day after violence erupted in the state. The attack left him with multiple fractures. He required ventilator support and a titanium plate in his face to make his jaw work. He never recovered from his injuries.

Once his body was brought back to Churachandpur, his family and the Zomi Council—the Churachandpur-based apex body representing eight tribes under the Zomi umbrella—decided to put the final rites on hold and move his remains to the morgue in Churachandpur Medical College. His body had remained there ever since.

Among their demands was a probe by a central agency into his assault, in which no further arrests were made. The Council had also demanded “time-bound engagement by the Government of India” on the larger demand by Zo groups for a separate administrative structure, distinct from the Imphal-based state government.

A Zomi Council leader told The Indian Express that the decision to lay Valte to rest on Saturday was taken in line with the wishes of the family. “It is for personal reasons. His wife is quite unwell, and his body, remaining unburied, will affect her psychologically. That is the main reason,” the leader said.

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More