Manipur CM makes first Churachandpur visit since ethnic violence; attends funeral of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte

In a significant political development, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on July 4 visited Churachandpur to attend the funeral of former BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, marking a first visit to the Churachandpur since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.

 

The Chief Minister, accompanied by BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh, travelled to Churachandpur by helicopter under heavy security arrangements amid protests by sections of the Kuki-Zomi community, who had opposed his visit until a political solution to the ongoing ethnic conflict is reached.

 

Valte, a three-time BJP legislator from Thanlon Assembly constituency and a prominent Zomi leader, died on July 4 after battling injuries sustained in a mob attack in Imphal on May 4, 2023, a day after ethnic violence broke out across the state. He had spent more than two years undergoing treatment before succumbing to his injuries.

 

Addressing mourners during the burial ceremony at Dorcas Veng in Churachandpur, the Chief Minister recalled his long association with the late legislator and said one of his deepest regrets was not being with Valte on the day he was attacked.

 

"My deepest regret is that if I had been with him that evening, the incident would never have happened," Singh said.

 

The Chief Minister said he vividly remembered the events of May 4, 2023, when he and Valte had met to discuss measures to control the violence spreading across the state.

 

"We were together discussing how to control the violence. After the meeting, I returned home for lunch while he remained there. That day will always remain one of my greatest regrets," he said.

 

Singh also recalled advising then Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen not to travel to Kangpokpi on May 3 because of the deteriorating security situation.

 

"I persuaded her not to leave as mob violence was dangerous. She was eventually escorted back safely in the early hours of the next day with full security," he said.

 

Explaining why he travelled by helicopter instead of road, Singh said he had to return to Imphal quickly for a scheduled virtual meeting with the Union Home Minister.

 

"Today I have a virtual meeting with the Union Home Minister. That is why I came by helicopter so that I could return quickly after paying my respects," he said.

 

Calling Valte one of his closest friends in politics, the Chief Minister said, "Pu Valte was a calm and humble person. When I became Speaker in 2017, he was one of my best friends. His family is like my family, and I will always extend every possible support to them."

 

Despite the Chief Minister's visit, protests continued in parts of Churachandpur. 

 

Several Kuki-Zomi civil society organisations had earlier announced a boycott of his visit, arguing that he should not enter the district until meaningful progress is made towards resolving the ethnic conflict. 

 

Security forces maintained a heavy deployment across sensitive areas to ensure the visit passed without any major incident.

 

Valte's funeral had been delayed for several months after his mortal remains were brought back to Churachandpur. Following his death, Zomi civil society organisations formed the Zomi Coordination Committee (ZCC), seeking justice and accountability for the attack on the legislator before proceeding with his burial.

 

The Chief Minister's visit is widely seen as symbolically significant, as it marks his first entry into Churachandpur since the outbreak of ethnic violence more than two years ago. 

 

Authorities continued to monitor the security situation closely following the visit.