Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday attended the funeral service of former Thanlon MLA late Vungzagin Valte at his residence in Dorcas Veng, Churachandpur, amid protests and blockades called by several Churachandpur-based organisations and militant groups. The visit marked the first by the Chief Minister to the district since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh, travelled to Churachandpur by helicopter under heavy security arrangements. While sections of the Kuki community had opposed his visit until a political solution to the ongoing ethnic conflict is reached, several residents and well-wishers received him upon his arrival.
Addressing mourners, Khemchand Singh described the late legislator as a calm and humble leader and recalled their close association since 2017, when he became the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Paying an emotional tribute, the Chief Minister spoke about the attack on Vungzagin Valte during the early days of the Manipur conflict on May 4, 2023, expressing deep regret over the incident.
“My deepest regret is that if I had been with him that afternoon, the incident would never have happened,” he said.
Recalling the events leading up to the attack, Khemchand said the two leaders had met to discuss measures to contain the escalating violence.
“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.
He also recounted advising then Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen against travelling 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.
The Chief Minister said his visit to Churachandpur was a personal gesture to pay his final respects to a close friend.
“Today, I came here for a short visit to pay my last respects to my friend Pu Valte. It is a great honour for me to be here. Valte’s family is like my family, and I will always extend every possible support to them whenever needed,” he said.
Explaining why he travelled by helicopter, Singh said he had to return to Imphal to attend a scheduled virtual meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah later in the day.
Despite the visit, protests continued in parts of Churachandpur, with several Kuki-Zomi civil society organisations reiterating their opposition to the Chief Minister’s entry into the district until meaningful progress is made towards resolving the ethnic conflict.
Later, while interacting with media persons at the residence of the late MLA, Khemchand Singh said dialogue remains the only viable path to restoring peace in Manipur and stressed that lasting peace is essential for the State’s development.
When asked about the roadmap to peace in Manipur, the Chief Minister replied with a smile, “Your smile is the way for peace,” drawing attention to the importance of goodwill and dialogue in the peace process.
The Chief Minister, along with MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh, offered floral tributes and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed leader. Among those who paid homage were MLAs Chinlunthang, Letzamang Haokip and V. Hangkhanlian, former ministers, tribal leaders, civil society representatives, supporters and government officials.
The mortal remains of late Vungzagin Valte were laid to rest at the YPA New Lamka Cemetery in Dorcas Veng after family members, friends, political colleagues and members of the public paid their final respects. He is survived by his wife, one daughter and two sons.
