Imphal: Vungzagin Valte, the Kuki-Zo BJP legislator representing Thanlon Assembly constituency in Manipur’s Pherzawl district, passed away on Saturday at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. With his death, Manipur has lost not just a political leader, but a symbol of survival amid one of the darkest chapters in the state’s history.
Valte had been battling for his life since he was airlifted from Imphal on February 8. As he was flown out in an air ambulance from Imphal airport, he was seen off by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and several BJP legislators — a solemn moment that reflected both hope and foreboding.
His long medical struggle began on May 4, 2023 — the second day of the devastating ethnic violence that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities. On that day, in Nagamapal, Imphal, Valte was brutally assaulted by a frenzied mob. The attack shocked the conscience of the state and underscored the spiraling unrest that has since claimed over 300 lives.
He survived that horrific assault, but the injuries he sustained were grave. For months, he moved between hospitals in Delhi, fighting complications and trauma that never truly left him. Later, he was brought back to his hometown in Churachandpur, where he remained under care. Yet as his condition deteriorated, he was once again airlifted to Delhi earlier this month under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Minister.
Despite the best medical efforts, his body could not overcome the wounds inflicted that fateful day.
Vungzagin Valte’s passing is more than the loss of a legislator; it is a stark reminder of the deep scars left by the violence that continues to haunt Manipur. He lived through the brutality, but he never fully recovered from it. In his death, the state is forced once again to confront the human cost of conflict — measured not only in numbers, but in lives forever altered and hopes abruptly silenced.
As Manipur mourns, his legacy will endure as a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Valte was first elected to Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2012 from the Congress and then twice from the BJP. Valte, 62, is survived by his wife, two sons and one daughter.
Three days of mourning
As a part of respect of the late leader Valte, the state government has announced three days of mourning starting from 22nd to 24th February. The natinal flage will be flown at Half Mast on these days throughout the state and there will be no official entertainment during the days of mourning, a statement of the General Administrative Department said.
On Saturday, the Chief Minister, Y Khemchand and other colleages of the ruling party, BJP, went to Medanta Hospital and and paid their last respect to the departed sould.
It may be noted that there were huge rumours of his death. Even the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and several others had expressed their condolences , however they had to withdraw after confirming that there was no such incident.
