UKHRUL: The mortal remains of Vungzagin Valte, MLA of the 58th Thanlon Assembly Constituency, were brought to his native Mualnuam village, where he was accorded a traditional gun salute led by the village chief. The tribute followed the fulfillment of his last wish that his body be taken on a final journey across his Assembly Constituency.
Mr. Valte was among the prominent victims of the Manipur crisis. He was brutally attacked by a Meitei mob while returning from a meeting with the then Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, during his tenure as Advisor to the Chief Minister. The assault claimed the life of his driver.
Though Mr. Valte survived, he suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to Delhi after repeated electric shocks were administered in a bid to revive him. However, he never fully recovered. The attack left him with permanent damage to his brain, vocal abilities, and other vital functions, ultimately leading to his death after prolonged suffering.
Following his demise, the Zomi Students’ Federation (General Headquarters) along with the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur, appealed for the closure of all business establishments and government offices in Churachandpur district as a mark of respect. Mr. Valte was widely regarded as a steadfast advocate of the Zomi cause and a dedicated public representative who worked for various communities under his constituency.
As per directives issued by the Government of Manipur, the Indian National Flag was flown at half-mast in all government offices. The Zomi flag was also lowered to half-mast in tribute to the departed leader from Thanlon AC.
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At the time of filing this report, Mr. Valte’s mortal remains were stationed at Mualnuam village and were expected to reach his residence at Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, Churachandpur district, by the following morning. Reliable sources confirmed that his body would depart his birthplace at around 11 am, where villagers, including children, had organized a farewell programme in his honour.