Former Manipur MLA BJP Vungzagin Valte | Photo credit: The Hindu
Almost a fortnight after BJP’s former Manipur MLA Vungzagin Valte died at a Gurugram hospital due to medical complications from injuries sustained in a mob attack in Imphal on May 4, 2023, his funeral is yet to take place.
Valte, a member of the Zomi tribe and tribal affairs adviser to the previous Manipur chief, was attacked while leaving the chief minister’s office just a day after ethnic violence broke out between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei people. He was paralyzed in the attack and died on February 21. Valte’s body is kept in a deep freezer at the Churachandpur District Hospital mortuary, his son Joseph Valte told The Hindu.
Valte’s family and Zomi community leaders have listed several requirements that must be met before they are willing to perform the last rites for Valte. The Zomi Coordinating Committee (ZCC) was formed to enforce these demands, which includes the investigation of the attack by the National Investigation Agency and the political resolution of the conflict. The ZCC has declared a month of mourning in honor of the late MLA, who was a three-time legislator.
A senior government official said attempts are being made to convince the family and community members to perform the last rites of the MLA while their demands are being studied.
He seeks justice for Valte
On March 2, Manipur Deputy CM Losia Dikho visited Churachandpur where he met Valte’s family. In a meeting with Mr Dikh, the ZCC demanded that those responsible for the attack on Valte be investigated, prosecuted and brought to justice.
“The need to speed up investigations into the deaths resulting from the violent attacks was discussed. Future progress towards peace and a progressive political solution under the suspension of operations in a manner acceptable to all communities were discussed,” the ZCC statement said.
The Deputy CM told the ZCC group that the government is determined to seek justice for Valte.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi dated 13 September 2025, Valte himself blamed the Meitei Arambai Tenggol armed group, blaming them for the attack that left him paralyzed.
Over the past three years, Valte has developed health complications due to life-threatening injuries he sustained in the attack. On February 8, he was airlifted from Imphal to the national capital for advanced treatment at a private hospital in Gurugram, where he died on February 21.
Published – March 7, 2026 10:45 PM IST
