UKHRUL: The Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Losii Dikho, accompanied by the State Home Commissioner, Ashok Kumar, visited Churachandpur today and held a closed-door meeting with the Zomi Co-ordination Committee (ZCC). The committee was recently constituted to seek justice for the late Vungzagin Valte, MLA of Thanlon Assembly Constituency, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack on May 4, 2023.
Prior to the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister and his team visited the residence of the late leader at Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, where they conveyed their condolences to his wife and family members. A separate closed-door interaction was also held with the bereaved family. The visit comes during the Zomi National Mourning Month declared by the ZCC.
The meeting between the Deputy Chief Minister’s team and the ZCC took place at the conference hall of the Paite Tribe Council General Headquarters. During the discussion, Dikho expressed the government’s deep sorrow over the demise of the late MLA and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the May 4 attack are thoroughly investigated, prosecuted, and brought to justice.
Both sides deliberated on expediting the investigation into the violent assault on the late leader. Discussions were also held on the future course of action toward restoring peace and advancing a political solution under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework in a manner acceptable to all communities. The government representatives stated that as the full Cabinet has yet to be constituted, major policy decisions may require additional time. However, both parties agreed to convene another meeting at the earliest.
During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged the demands submitted by the ZCC and assured that they would be placed before the appropriate authorities for further action. He reiterated the government’s concern for securing justice for the late Vungzagin Valte, whose mortal remains are currently kept at the Churachandpur District Hospital morgue.
In a media statement, the ZCC indicated that it expects a written communication outlining the subsequent steps, which had not been received at the time of filing this report. The committee stated that its decision regarding ongoing protest measures would depend on the written response and visible progress on the issues discussed.
Following the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister addressed the press in Churachandpur. He confirmed that he had officially met the bereaved family, noting that although they had earlier met in Delhi and extended support for bringing the mortal remains home, the present visit was to personally console them.
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He stated that the interaction with the ZCC focused primarily on addressing their demands for justice, which have been taken seriously and will be pursued further. He reaffirmed that investigations have already commenced and that the government remains committed to delivering justice.
Responding to queries regarding the delay in Cabinet expansion, Dikho said he could not comment on the matter, citing prevailing challenges in the state. He added that the formation of a full Cabinet is expected soon.
On questions regarding the possibility of conducting the funeral at the earliest, he stated that the matter is being coordinated with the family and the ZCC. He emphasised that the late MLA was a committed public leader who dedicated himself to the welfare of the people, and that plans are underway to ensure an honourable burial in accordance with the pursuit of justice for his sacrifice.